Used F3 car series to support DTM in 2019

A used F3 car series to support DTM in 2019

While the battle for the 2018 FIA Formula 3 European Championship title is entering its decisive stage, the persons in charge are preparing for the future. Next season, Formel 3 Vermarktungs GmbH, a 100 percent subsidiary of ITR and the current promoter of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship again will be organising an international single-seater series with races for the currently used Formula 3 cars, mainly on the support package of the DTM.

The current FIA Formula 3 European Championship regulations are the basis of the series. The almost four hours of track time per weekend with three races per event remains unchanged, just like, for instance, the number of test days. Current restrictions for competitors such as the age limit of 25 years or the maximum duration of four seasons in which a driver can compete will be abolished. The rule that a champion has to leave the series will be abolished as well. The regulations have already been submitted to the Deutscher Motor Sport Bund e.V. (DMSB) and the global federation FIA for approval and were accepted by the FIA single seater commission last week.

In the future series, the homologated Formula 3 cars currently being raced in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship will be used. Thus, there is no need for new investments by the teams as they can compete in a race series that has a proven track record of many years both from a technical and a sporting perspective. The majority of the nine to ten race events that are planned will be taking place on the support package of European DTM rounds. Thus, the successful connection with this professional platform that has been established over the years is secured for the future, also thanks Audi and BMW having officially confirmed their commitment to the DTM for 2019.

“Over the years, our championship has become established as Europe’s most important junior race series. The highly professional event platform of the DTM enables the drivers to develop themselves in many aspects, both on and off the track. On the support package of popular events at challenging circuits, they can showcase their skills and to recommend themselves for the next steps in motorsport. The large number of competitors who have graduated to professional motorsport categories like DTM and Formula 1 underlines the success of our concept. We are delighted that the series will be cooperating with the DTM again next year," says Walter Mertes, CEO of Formel 3 Vermarktungs GmbH.

From 2002 until 2012, Formel 3 Vermarktungs GmbH has already organised and promoted the Formula 3 Euro Series. Among the graduates of this series are Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, the current Formula 1 super stars. Formula 1 drivers like Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas, Nico Hülkenberg or Romain Grosjean also honed their motorsport skills in the series. The Euro Series was the predecessor of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship that since 2013 has helped drivers like Max Verstappen, Esteban Ocon, Charles Leclerc and Lance Stroll step up to the pinnacle of motorsport. Thus, the championship proves to be the ideal stepping stone from Formula 4 into Formula 2 or even directly into Formula 1.

Competitors can officially submit their registration for the series from 15 November, 2018.