Motorsports Mondial

FIA European F3 Championship founded

In close cooperation of the World Motor Sport Association, FIA, and the organisers of the two leading European Formula 3 championships – the Formula 3 Euro Series (organised by DMSB and ITR) as well as the British Formula 3 (organised by MSA/SRO) – a cross-series European Formula 3 Championship is announced. In 2012, the new championship’s calendar comprises 10 events held in seven countries.

Within the framework of the latest World Motor Sport Council meeting, the FIA passed the general conditions for the new championship that replaces last year’s FIA Formula 3 International Trophy. As partner of Formula 3, FIA is going to remain involved in the coming years when it comes to the promotion of young and skilled drivers. The race calendar was created on the basis of the race weekends of the two Formula 3 championships involved. Eight of the 10 European Championship rounds will be held within the framework of the Formula 3 Euro Series and in addition, two of the Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series rounds also will be decorated with the European Championship status. Precondition for participating in the new FIA approved series is an entry as permanent competitor in one of the two basis championships. Currently, the Formula 3 Euro Series entry list comprises 15 drivers from nine countries. First reactions already demonstrated that the FIA approval has caused increased interest of drivers and teams and arguably could result in additional entries.

The most successful competitors will be offered the opportunity to test Formula 1, DTM and Formula 2 vehicles, thus attracting additional attention. “For the European motor-racing young guns, Formula 3 now represents an even more attractive field of activity,” said Dr Hans-Gerd Ennser, DMSB board member car racing. “Together with our partners, we succeeded in creating a format that will consolidate the existing championships on the one hand while promising drivers, teams and spectators top-class motor racing on the other.” Entering the new FIA approved series is made particularly attractive by the fact that there is far more to win than just the title: an extraordinary package of valuable prizes for the most successful competitors. Following the season, the three top-placed drivers will be offered the chance of demonstrating their skills during two days of Formula 2 testing. In addition, the vice-champion will be rewarded with a DTM test – and the European Formula 3 Champion may look forward to a very special highlight: he will execute a Formula 1 test for Ferrari. The entry deadline for the new series is the 18th April, 2012. Interested teams can request information by email at [email protected]. In addition, they can contact the Formula 3 Euro Series organisers at [email protected] for additional queries.