2016 Formula 3 European Championship silly season

[LavidaLoca]

Originally Posted by Rf1 Fan

Engineering (ie Hitech working with Aotech),
getting engine manufacturer attention,
testing with a formula master outside races.

Also the demand.

Engine side already costs 80,000 Euros per season
Testing with Formula masters will not be really an advantage as new regulation now does not allow any driver entered in the championship to test ANY type of car 3 monthes before the FIA F3 race event.

recently FIA F3 has been the place where to be for young drivers, Teams have just been taking advantage of it , not that 900,000 Euros are justified to race in decent conditions.

[ShettyRakS]

Total 39 cars hav registered.. Most likely :
Prema Power (4)
Carlin (4)
Van Amersfoort (4)
Mücke (4)
Signature (2)
Motopark (4)
West-Tec (2)
Double-R (2)
Hitech (3)
Fortec (4)
T-Sport (2)
DAV (2)
Jo Zeller (2)

[pericu]

It's not about fiaf3, but italiaracing commented some days ago that Carlin could enter also at EuroFormula Open for next year. That could be a good way to use the Jagonya Ayam's dallaras that they won't use next year? We know they should change the engines, but we know also in the fiaf3 they can do some aerodynamics development, so I don't know if they can enter in the series easily

[Formulahistory]

Lance Stroll (Prema Power; Dallara-Mercedes)
Maximilian Günther (Prema Power; Dallara-Mercedes)
Ralf Aron (Prema Power; Dallara-Mercedes)
Nick Cassidy (Prema Power; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Ryan Tveter (Carlin; Dallara-VW)
Alessio Lorandi (Carlin; Dallara-VW) ?
Raoul Hyman (Carlin; Dallara-VW) ?
Tanart Sathienthirakul (Carlin; Dallara-VW) ?
Pedro Piquet (Van Amersfoort; Dallara-Mercedes)
Callum Ilott (Van Amersfoort; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Harrison Newey (Van Amersfoort; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
David Beckmann (Mücke; Dallara-Mercedes)
Matt Solomon (Mücke; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Robert Shwartzman (Mücke; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Marvin Dienst (Mücke; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Dorian Boccolacci (Signature; Dallara-VW) ?
Kang Ling (Signature; Dallara-VW) ?
Callan O'Keeffe (Signature; Dallara-VW) ?
Guanyu Zhou (Signature; Dallara-VW) ?
Sergio Sette Câmara (Motopark; Dallara-VW)
Niko Kari (Motopark; Dallara-VW)
Julio Moreno (Motopark; Dallara-VW) ?
Joel Eriksson (Motopark; Dallara-VW) ?
Pietro Fittipaldi (Fortec; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Ben Barnicoat (Fortec; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Martin Kodrić (Fortec; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Sam MacLeod (West-Tec; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Yarin Stern (West-Tec; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Matheus Leist (Double-R; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Nicolas Pohler (Double-R; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
George Russell (Hitech; Dallara-Mercedes)
Nikita Mazepin (Hitech; Dallara-Mercedes)
Mikkel Jensen (Hitech; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Arjun Maini (T-Sport; Dallara-Tomei)
Tom Randle (T-Sport; Dallara-NBE) ?
Peter Li (Jo Zeller; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Marcel Tobler (Jo Zeller; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Leonardo Pulcini (DAV; Dallara-Mercedes) ?
Alessio Rovera (DAV; Dallara-Mercedes) ?

[cds_uk]

Regarding the DAV seats, Pulcini seems to have a bit of money behind him so i wouldn't be at all surprised to see him next year, sadly i can't say the same for Alessio, it would be nice though, a tidy pairing for a first year in the series.

[NaBUru38]

The F4 champions shiuld get scholarships to F3.

[LavidaLoca]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

The F4 champions shiuld get scholarships to F3.

i think Niko Kari got 350,000 Euros from SMP Racing for winning FIA NEZ Championship

[pericu]

Originally Posted by ShettyRakS

Total 39 cars hav registered.. Most likely :
Prema Power (4)
Carlin (4)
Van Amersfoort (4)
Mücke (4)
Signature (2)
Motopark (4)
West-Tec (2)
Double-R (2)
Hitech (3)
Fortec (4)
T-Sport (2)
DAV (2)
Jo Zeller (2)

What about ArtLine? They were testing two weeks ago in Valencia. That means they don't give up with the development of the car but...it sounds odd that they don't show in the pre list

[Racing Harz]

Ilott moves to Van Amersfoort.
http://www.paddockscout.com/callum-i...for-2016/32821

[Rf1 Fan]

Originally Posted by Racing Harz

Ilott moves to Van Amersfoort.
http://www.paddockscout.com/callum-i...for-2016/32821

Most importantly he has been fired of Red Bull Junior Team.

[Formulahistory]

Source about that?

[LavidaLoca]

Originally Posted by Formulahistory

Source about that?

written in the article

The European karting champion in 2014, Ilott was a member of the Red Bull Junior Team last year but will not retain that status for the coming season.

[Formulahistory]

So with Ilott confirmed it could be this:

Prema Power: Lance Stroll, Maximilian Günther, Ralf Aron, Nick Cassidy (?)
Carlin: Ryan Tveter, Alessio Lorandi (?), Raoul Hyman (?), Tanart Sathienthirakul (?)
Van Amersfoort: Pedro Piquet, Callum Ilott, Harrison Newey (?)
Mücke: David Beckmann, Matt Solomon (?), Robert Shwartzman (?), Marvin Dienst (?)
Signature: Dorian Boccolacci (?), Kang Ling (?), Callan O'Keeffe (?), Guanyu Zhou (?)
Motopark: Sette Sergio Câmara, Niko Kari, Julio Moreno (?), Joel Eriksson (?)
Fortec: Pietro Fittipaldi (?), Ben Barnicoat (?), Martin Kodrić (?)
West-Tec: Sam MacLeod (?), Yarin Stern (?)
Double-R: Matheus Leist (?), Nicolas Pohler (?)
Hitech: George Russell, Nikita Mazepin, Mikkel Jensen (?)
T-Sport: Arjun Maini, Tom Randle (?)
Joe Zeller: Peter Li (?), Marcel Tobler (?)
DAV: Leonardo Pulcini (?), Alessio Rovera (?)

[cameronpoe]

Originally Posted by Formulahistory

So with Ilott confirmed it could be this:

Prema Powier: Lance Stroll, Maximilian Günther, Ralf Aron, Nick Cassidy (?)
Carlin: Ryan Tveter, Alessio Lorandi (?), Raoul Hyman (?), Tanart Sathienthirakul (?)
Van Amersfoort: Pedro Piquet, Callum Ilott, Harrison Newey (?)
Mücke: David Beckmann, Matt Solomon (?), Robert Shwartzman (?), Marvin Dienst (?)
Signature: Dorian Boccolacci (?), Kang Ling (?), Callan O'Keeffe (?), Guanyu Zhou (?)
Motopark: Sette Sergio Câmara, Niko Kari, Julio Moreno (?), Joel Eriksson (?)
Fortec: Pietro Fittipaldi (?), Ben Barnicoat (?), Martin Kodrić (?)
West-Tec: Sam MacLeod (?), Yarin Stern (?)
Double-R: Matheus Leist (?), Nicolas Pohler (?)
Hitech: George Russell, Nikita Mazepin, Mikkel Jensen (?)
T-Sport: Arjun Maini, Tom Randle (?)
Joe Zeller: Peter Li (?), Marcel Tobler (?)
DAV: Leonardo Pulcini (?), Alessio Rovera (?)

Interesting article on Autosport site by Marcus Simmons on Lance Stroll, I met Marcus Simmons at Brands Hatch in 011 and had a nice conversation with him, he is an old school motor sport journalist and I feel he has been able to use the gravitas built up over the years to break a taboo that Autosport has struggled with for a few years which is the fact that virtually all the drivers racing F3 are from wealthy backgrounds and the grid is formed via Accident of Birth, I think the article is also an acceptance by Marcus that his enjoyment of F3 is not detracted by this and he is in effect ushering Autosport readers into the New Realities. The problem I see which is separate from F3, is that F3 is a feeder to F1 which is the only single seater series with a global appeal, as the F1 grid develops over the next 5-10 years it will become populated by Drivers who will have zero chance to connect to the wider public and frankly don't need to which will further propel the downward slide of F1 popularity, put simply we are going to return to the motor racing of the 1920, and 30,s which was basically amateur racing drivers using private wealth, in the short term it benefits the F1 teams as wealthy young racing drivers coming in do not need salaries and expenses and are able to invest heavily (what price a Laurence Stroll investment in Williams for instance) , in the longer term I think it brings the end as I doubt even the enthusiastic young Mr Stroll will fancy winning the non televised 2026 British Gp in front of Mum, Dad and empty grandstands so this current glut of sons of oligarchs and tycoons maybe in real terms short lived.. I don't have solutions to make the modern F3 grid more representative of the mass of young Motorsport licence holders as I dont think they exist and probably have not since the end of the tobacco era in Motorsport, I suspect Marcus doesn't either hence his article on Lance which is not I think an interview more of a wave goodbye to the past and a hello to the future and a brave piece of Motorsport journalism.

[Biscuits In A Red Bull]

Wow.

Hasn't it always about wealth though? The current climates of both the global economy and Formula 1 over recent years has just exaggerated it somewhat, but to suggest the above is ludicrous imo, very extreme, if not quite ill founded.

To call them amateurs as well... ...no. Just no. Considering the amount of junior formulae and individual training and mentoring these guys will receive (yes, mainly through finances, but it ends up with a better product) will make them very well trained and give them a skillset that will make them able to swim in F1. There are those with natural ability such as Hamilton, Ricciardo, etc in F1, and are able to rely on that, but without refining it they would be very raw. This could present a problem, and there have been plenty of drivers in F1 who have achieved success without extremely noticeable, in-your-face natural ability, but with a well developed skillset, whereas plenty with stacks of obvious natural ability haven't. Hulkenberg has yet to score a podium, for example, whilst Gilles Villeneuve never claimed a WDC.

Formula 3 is a fine junior single seater series and there can be as many rich kids as you like on the grid, to win against 35 other drivers with similar amounts of nurturing, as well as being dependent on the team and usually experience, relies a lot on talent. People can bash Lance Stroll as much as they like because of his cash, but the fact remains that he has plenty of pace to back it up, especially having matured at the back end of 2015. He has the financial ability to make Formula 1, but also looks likely to develop into a driver with the necessary speed and driving ability to make the F1 grid.

So knock him down as much as you like, but him and his peers, whilst certainly rich kids, will gain any future success due to their ability behind the wheel, not just due to their backing. Given his position, how many others would be able to achieve what he has/will do, should he succeed? I would say not that many...

[Rf1 Fan]

Originally Posted by cameronpoe

Interesting article on Autosport site by Marcus Simmons on Lance Stroll, I met Marcus Simmons at Brands Hatch in 011 and had a nice conversation with him, he is an old school motor sport journalist and I feel he has been able to use the gravitas built up over the years to break a taboo that Autosport has struggled with for a few years which is the fact that virtually all the drivers racing F3 are from wealthy backgrounds and the grid is formed via Accident of Birth, I think the article is also an acceptance by Marcus that his enjoyment of F3 is not detracted by this and he is in effect ushering Autosport readers into the New Realities. The problem I see which is separate from F3, is that F3 is a feeder to F1 which is the only single seater series with a global appeal, as the F1 grid develops over the next 5-10 years it will become populated by Drivers who will have zero chance to connect to the wider public and frankly don't need to which will further propel the downward slide of F1 popularity, put simply we are going to return to the motor racing of the 1920, and 30,s which was basically amateur racing drivers using private wealth, in the short term it benefits the F1 teams as wealthy young racing drivers coming in do not need salaries and expenses and are able to invest heavily (what price a Laurence Stroll investment in Williams for instance) , in the longer term I think it brings the end as I doubt even the enthusiastic young Mr Stroll will fancy winning the non televised 2026 British Gp in front of Mum, Dad and empty grandstands so this current glut of sons of oligarchs and tycoons maybe in real terms short lived.. I don't have solutions to make the modern F3 grid more representative of the mass of young Motorsport licence holders as I dont think they exist and probably have not since the end of the tobacco era in Motorsport, I suspect Marcus doesn't either hence his article on Lance which is not I think an interview more of a wave goodbye to the past and a hello to the future and a brave piece of Motorsport journalism.

I agree with you.

Fortunately there is still some exceptions like Esteban Ocon coming from a middleclass background.

But Ocon (or Jules Bianchi,Rowland,Dennis,Barnicoat) are the last dinosaurus of not so wealthy talent to come up through the ranks thanks to investments from GENII,Todt Jr or RSF.

[Biscuits In A Red Bull]

I should have also added that it isn't that the drivers do not connect to the people, it's that the people don't connect to the drivers. There isn't an awful lot that the drivers can do to that. If they are perceived to be an out of touch, upper class rich kid who's had his career bought for him, then it's unlikely that you will connect with them, but then that's your perception, not the one the driver is attempting to force on you (unless, of course, they are trying to force it on you, which personally I'd find quite funny, if slightly concerning and detrimental). If you perceive the driver as a fellow human being with a great talent, then you'll likely attempt to connect more so, and probably will do. Again, this would be your doing.

Yes this will relate to the drivers' actions, but they won't be doing many things deliberately because they are looking to increase the size of their fan base in a particular demographic group which generally would prefer to see them doing xyz. It's up to the viewers to judge them.

But whilst I may be against your post, I do agree somewhat that financial position shouldn't be what gets drivers somewhere. But generally this isn't the case, and as long as the likes of Red Bull maintain their driver development scheme then there will be a decent cohort of drivers without significant family money.

I still refuse to be moved by the whole issue though. Motorsports, especially near the top, is very meritocratic, but is also expensive. It's rare to find people without massive backing flirting with or driving in F1, so naturally they'll all be talented to get there, and so they usually find themselves flirting with F1 (look at Olly Rowland) The likes of Palmer and Maldonado may well be deemed 'pay drivers' but the fact is they're both GP2 champions, and whilst they had plenty of experience, they did develop significantly in that period and deserved at least a chance solely on their results and the ability they showed. A GP2 crown cannot be won purely on experience and money. There has to be ability there.

[bella]

the only thing i have to add is a personal note about how fantastic marcus simmons' f3 coverage is, and how you can tell he's one of the last few proper journalists around who go and seek news out instead of wait for it to drop in their laps via press release or social media.

i try not to have an opinion regarding the backgrounds of drivers any more. mostly it's just interesting to hear where many of them have come from, and how they ended up sat in a kart in the first place. i think ultimately as long as the kid in the car is overwhelmingly in love with the sport, is quick enough (ie not slow) and pays his bills on time then there's nothing to get cross about.

i don't think it's constructive to point the fingers at the drivers. point the fingers instead at the companies who stopped throwing money at the sport because their tax breaks disappeared.

[cameronpoe]

Originally Posted by Biscuits In A Red Bull

I should have also added that it isn't that the drivers do not connect to the people, it's that the people don't connect to the drivers. There isn't an awful lot that the drivers can do to that. If they are perceived to be an out of touch, upper class rich kid who's had his career bought for him, then it's unlikely that you will connect with them, but then that's your perception, not the one the driver is attempting to force on you (unless, of course, they are trying to force it on you, which personally I'd find quite funny, if slightly concerning and detrimental). If you perceive the driver as a fellow human being with a great talent, then you'll likely attempt to connect more so, and probably will do. Again, this would be your doing.

Yes this will relate to the drivers' actions, but they won't be doing many things deliberately because they are looking to increase the size of their fan base in a particular demographic group which generally would prefer to see them doing xyz. It's up to the viewers to judge them.

But whilst I may be against your post, I do agree somewhat that financial position shouldn't be what gets drivers somewhere. But generally this isn't the case, and as long as the likes of Red Bull maintain their driver development scheme then there will be a decent cohort of drivers without significant family money.

I still refuse to be moved by the whole issue though. Motorsports, especially near the top, is very meritocratic, but is also expensive. It's rare to find people without massive backing flirting with or driving in F1, so naturally they'll all be talented to get there, and so they usually find themselves flirting with F1 (look at Olly Rowland) The likes of Palmer and Maldonado may well be deemed 'pay drivers' but the fact is they're both GP2 champions, and whilst they had plenty of experience, they did develop significantly in that period and deserved at least a chance solely on their results and the ability they showed. A GP2 crown cannot be won purely on experience and money. There has to be ability there.

Biscuits, I am on the same side as Marcus Simmons and I am certain there is a lot of talent in current junior Motorsport but I am like you a Motorsport fan, in my case from the mid 70,s so my interest is maintained and Having met lots of very wealthy people in Motorsport I fully appreciate they are good people, there is no judgement in my post at all, as regards Ollie having watched him from karting I think he would make an excellent GP driver, I happen to think he is the best of the current UK sub F1 drivers the fact he has a blue collar background rather hits that point as without Racing Steps he would be lost to the sport, also Ollies mentor Derek Warwick is on record as saying F1 cannot be all about Lance Stroll, he is correct but I suspect he fears it soon will be, hence the comment.

[Biscuits In A Red Bull]

I don't think it will be. There will always be those who salvage enough support to manage their phenomenal talent to counteract any of the advantage that those from wealthier backgrounds have got. There are plenty in the junior categories right now who look like very realistic F1 shots. But that's not to say that the likes of Stroll and Sirotkin can't develop into GP drivers of their own right.

Motorsports is expensive though. It's no surprise that all of the current GP drivers have a good background. Without the money you can't even start.

I understand your point of view but think its very negative!!!

Agree about Simmons. A fantastic journalist with very good combination of passion and knowledge.

[cameronpoe]

Originally Posted by Biscuits In A Red Bull

I don't think it will be. There will always be those who salvage enough support to manage their phenomenal talent to counteract any of the advantage that those from wealthier backgrounds have got. There are plenty in the junior categories right now who look like very realistic F1 shots. But that's not to say that the likes of Stroll and Sirotkin can't develop into GP drivers of their own right.

Motorsports is expensive though. It's no surprise that all of the current GP drivers have a good background. Without the money you can't even start.

I understand your point of view but think its very negative!!!
I

Agree about Simmons. A fantastic journalist with very good combination of passion and knowledge.

I suspect you are much younger than me (30 years plus?). So I really respect and admire your knowledge and view , I am not negative, my son was a very strong single seater pilot who now gets by in sports car so I have first hand experience of motosport, my posts are personal and reflect my love of Motorsport which I know you share, you will find me in the Btcc paddock next year I won't be hard to track down? , the drinks are on me!.

[10TENTHS]

Originally Posted by Biscuits In A Red Bull

I don't think it will be. There will always be those who salvage enough support to manage their phenomenal talent to counteract any of the advantage that those from wealthier backgrounds have got. There are plenty in the junior categories right now who look like very realistic F1 shots.

Not really. That's why F1 lacks the universal appeal of say, football. Even the so-called junior programs require drivers to bring some of their own money, or have marketing considerations behind them. Many F3 drivers end up in DTM, which is fine as its a paying job, but is that really what the FIA want?

Meanwhile the reigning Euro F3 champion is at Daytona right now prepping for the 24 hour race later this month.

Originally Posted by Biscuits In A Red Bull

Motorsports is expensive though. It's no surprise that all of the current GP drivers have a good background. Without the money you can't even start.

Merit-based scholarships could help fix this situation. Mazda in particular have been investing some money into comprehensive programs in the North American regions, for both sportscar and open wheel. Red Bull have brought up some drivers, but they also made some questionable decisions with their program (Speed instead of Allmendinger is one example).

SMP's prize for Kari is a good start, but the European open wheel ladder is still somewhat tangled and doesn't consistently promote the talent. Vandoorne is the most glaring instance of late.

[andrewc]

Harri Newey signs for VAR

[jodi]

http://beta.autosport.com/news/repor...h-euro-f3-move

[Formulahistory]

So it could be this:

Prema Power: Lance Stroll, Maximilian Günther, Ralf Aron, Nick Cassidy (?)
Carlin: Ryan Tveter, Alessio Lorandi (?), Raoul Hyman (?), Tanart Sathienthirakul (?)
Van Amersfoort: Pedro Piquet, Callum Ilott, Harrison Newey
Mücke: David Beckmann, Matt Solomon (?), Robert Shwartzman (?), Marvin Dienst (?)
Signature: Dorian Boccolacci (?), Kang Ling (?), Callan O'Keeffe (?), Guanyu Zhou (?)
Motopark: Sette Sergio Câmara, Niko Kari, Julio Moreno (?), Joel Eriksson (?)
Fortec: Pietro Fittipaldi (?), Martin Kodrić (?)
West-Tec: Sam MacLeod (?), Yarin Stern (?)
Double-R: Nicolas Pohler (?), Tarun Reddy (?)
Hitech: George Russell, Nikita Mazepin, Ben Barnicoat, Mikkel Jensen (?)
T-Sport: Arjun Maini, Tom Randle (?)
Joe Zeller: Peter Li (?), Marcel Tobler (?)
DAV: Leonardo Pulcini (?), Alessio Rovera (?)