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2007-02-19T00:04:27Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:04, 19 February 2007
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	*[http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/871232308__AppJ_2004_Art_275.pdf FIA Formula 3 Regulations (PDF)]		*[http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/871232308__AppJ_2004_Art_275.pdf FIA Formula 3 Regulations (PDF)]

	~~== References ==~~
	~~<references/>~~

	<!-- Any external links, say to the official website and sanctioning body? The official website should not be a reference (Reply:) See the list of references for citations. The official website was hardly used at all for these, yet provided the primary source for regulations (as you'd expect); invaluable results data that enabled cross-checking (which showed up an error in another source - see talk page); and many of its press releases and news items are used by other websites. -->		<!-- Any external links, say to the official website and sanctioning body? The official website should not be a reference (Reply:) See the list of references for citations. The official website was hardly used at all for these, yet provided the primary source for regulations (as you'd expect); invaluable results data that enabled cross-checking (which showed up an error in another source - see talk page); and many of its press releases and news items are used by other websites. -->

Red marquis at 00:04, 19 February 2007

2007-02-19T00:04:14Z

New page

The '''Formula Three Euroseries''' is a European-based junior [[Open wheel car|single seater]] formula for [[Formula Three]] chassis that was launched (in its current form) in 2003. The Formula Three category, including this championship, is part of the established [[career ladder]] up which European drivers progress to the [[Formula One]] world championship, the highest form of [[open wheel racing|single seater]] racing defined by the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile]] (FIA), motorsport's wold governing body. [[Lewis Hamilton]], a Formula One driver for the [[McLaren]] team in 2007, won the Euroseries drivers' title in 2005.

==Background==
The concept of a European F3 championship dates back to 1975, with a five-race series known as the ''F3 European Cup''. Races were held at [[Monaco]], the [[Nürburgring]] in Germany, [[Scandinavian_Raceway|Anderstorp]] in Sweden, [[Autodromo_Nazionale_Monza|Monza]] in Italy and [[Croix-en-Ternois]] in France. The series title was won by Australian [[Larry Perkins]] driving a [[Ralt]]-[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] run by Team Cowangie.<ref>{{cite web | title = European Formula 3 Championship Archive | url = http://www.teamdan.com/archive/gen/eurof3.html#1975 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref>

In 1976, the Cup evolved into a full-scale, ten-round ''European F3 Championship'', which ran until 1984.<ref>[http://www.motorsportsetc.com/champs/eucup_f3.htm European F3 Champions] Retrieved on [[January 25]] [[2007]].</ref> Among its champions were notable future [[Formula One]] drivers, such as [[Riccardo Patrese]] (champion in 1976) [[Alain Prost]] (1979), and the late [[Michele Alboreto]] (1980).<ref>[http://www.teamdan.com/archive/gen/eurof3.html#1976 1976 Results] Retrieved on [[January 25]] [[2007]].</ref>



==Modern era==
===Inauguration===
The modern-day Formula Three Euroseries was inaugurated in 2003 in a collaboration between two of Europe's national governing bodies for motorsport – the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile (FFSA) in [[France]] and the [[Deutscher Motor Sport Bund]] (DMSB) in [[Germany]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Merging of German and French F3 | url = http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=114401&FS=EUROF3 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref>

The new partnership between the FFSA and DMSB spelled the end of national Formula Three in France with the closure of the [[French Formula Three|French F3 Championship]], but Germany's [[German Formula Three|national championship]] was effectively supplanted to a large extent by the creation of the ''Recaro Formel 3 Cup'', though the DMSB intially attempted to block its creation.<ref>{{cite web | title = DMSB blocks standalone German F3 series | url = http://www.autosport-atlas.com/article.asp?id=30341 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> This lower-status series was formed by [[ADAC]], the F3V (Germany's Formula Three Association) and a few key German teams (such as Bertram Schäfer Racing) that chose not to participate in the new Euroseries. BSR's owner Bertram Schäfer acts as the series' promoter.<ref>{{cite web | title = German F3 Cup on schedule for 2004 | url = http://www.autosport-atlas.com/article.asp?id=34903 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref>

The FFSA and DMSB hold joint responsibility for determining the sporting regulations of the Euroseries. The organisation and promotion of the championship is handled by ITR, which performs the same rôle for the [[Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft|DTM]] touring car championship.<ref>{{cite web | title = Increased co-operation between Euro F3 and the DTM | url = http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=142773&FS=EUROF3 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref>

===Venues===
[[Image:Francorchamps01.jpg|thumb|220px|Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium]]
The championship consists of ten events, each comprising two races, held at a variety of European circuits. Approximately 50-60% of these events occur at circuits in Germany, while the other events are held in various countries, including [[Great Britain]], [[France]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Italy]], [[Belgium]] and [[Spain]]. Notable venues have included [[Pau#Grand_Prix_de_Pau|Pau]] and [[Circuit de la Sarthe|Le Mans]] in France; [[Brands Hatch]] in Britain; [[Circuit de Catalunya]] in Spain; [[Autódromo do Estoril|Estoril]] in Portugal; [[Adria International Raceway|Adria]] in Italy; and [[Spa-Francorchamps]] in Belgium.

From 2004 onwards, the [[Ultimate Masters of Formula 3]], held at [[Circuit Zandvoort|Zandvoort]] in the Netherlands, was included as a round of the championship. In 2005, the series visited [[Circuit_de_Monaco|Monaco]] as a Grand Prix support event, which was the first Formula Three event at Monaco since 1997.<ref>{{cite web | title = F3 returns to Monaco for 2005 | url = http://www.autosport-atlas.com/article.asp?id=40654 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> This famous motor-racing venue has long-standing associations with Formula Three.

===Technical and sporting regulations===
The FFSA and DMSB created the new championship around the FIA-sanctioned<ref>{{cite web | title = FIA Formula 3 Technical Regulations - PDF | url = http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/510462567__AppJ_Art_275.pdf | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> F3 formula of multiple chassis builders and production-based 4-cylinder 2-litre engines with control supplies of tyres and fuel. As in most F3 championships, the Italian company [[Dallara]] is the dominant chassis supplier. It was originally planned to restrict entry to two-car teams,<ref>{{cite web | title = F3 Euroseries takes shape | url = http://www.autosport-atlas.com/article.asp?id=29915 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> but this requirement was later relaxed. In most Formula Three championships, multiple and single-car entries are not uncommon.

Some Formula Three championships, such as the [[British_Formula_Three_Championship|British F3 Championship]], use a two-tier system to provide an opportunity for low-budget teams and drivers to compete with out-dated chassis specifications. In an effort to minimise costs, Formula Three chassis regulations permit major updates only periodically, with annual updates restricted to minor improvements.<ref>{{cite web | title = FIA Formula 3 Technical Regulations - PDF | url = http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/510462567__AppJ_Art_275.pdf | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref>

When the Euroseries was launched, restrictions were effectively placed on the teams' choice of chassis specification by opting not to create a lower-tier championship class, and all entrants used the two most recent available specifications.

The ''Drivers' Trophy'' has since been introduced to provide a classification system and class title for drivers using chassis of between two and four years old. Eligibility for this class is restricted to drivers who are not more than 22 years old at the start of the season. There is also a rookie classification system with a ''Rookie of the Year'' title.<ref>{{cite web | title = Comprehensive regulation changes for 2006 | url = http://www.f1prospects.com/2005/12/f3_euroseries_c.html | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref>

In 2006, testing was restricted to a maximum of 10 days per driver/car, with no testing at race venues, Consequently, teams and drivers have to make the most of the test sessions during race weekends, which had already been reduced from 90 to 60 minutes in 2005.

Tyre usage is restricted to three sets per car for the entire race weekend. There is no limit on the use of wet-weather tyres, but only when they are deemed necessary by race officials. As is the case with most racing disciplines outside [[Formula One regulations|Formula One]], tyre warming devices are not permitted.<ref>{{cite web | title = Technical Regulations | url = http://www.f3euroseries.com/index.php?inhalt=techreg.en&lang=en | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref>

An unauthorised engine change during the course of a race weekend invokes a ten-place penalty on the starting grid.<ref>{{cite web | title = Motorsport.com | url = http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=155075&FS=EUROF3 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref>

===Event schedule===
Each race weekend begins on Friday, with one 60-minute practice session and a qualifying session that decides the starting grid for the first race. There are two races; one of approximately 100-110km on Saturday and one of approximately 70-80km on Sunday.<ref>{{cite web | title = Sporting Regulations | url = http://www.f3euroseries.com/index.php?inhalt=sportreg.en&lang=en | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> The starting times of each session/race vary slightly according to the event schedule at each venue.

With just one qualifying session, the grid for the second race is determined by the results of Race 1. The top eight positions are reversed, giving [[Pole position|pole position]] to the 8th-placed finisher. The single qualifying session and results-based reverse grid system were introduced for the 2006 season: prior to that, the second race had its own qualifying session (with a bonus point for pole position).<ref>{{cite web | title = 2003 regulations | url = http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=114404&FS=EUROF3 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> Drivers who fail to finish the first race occupy the remaining grid positions for Race 2 in the order in which they retired.

===Scoring system===
In the first race of the weekend, points are awarded to the top eight finishers, with 10 points for a win. One bonus point is awarded for the fastest qualifying time. In addition to the change to a single qualifying session, the points system for the shorter second race was revised in 2006: rather than award full points, it now awards points to the top six finishers, with only six points for a win.<ref>{{cite web | title = Interesting changes for fourth season | url = http://www.f1prospects.com/2006/03/f3_euro_series__7.html | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
! colspan="9" | F3 Euroseries points system (2006 onwards)
|-
!
!  1st 
!  2nd 
!  3rd 
!  4th 
!  5th 
!  6th 
!  7th 
!  8th 
|-
! Race 1
| 10
| 8
| 6
| 5
| 4
| 3
| 2
| 1
|-
! Race 2
| 6
| 5
| 4
| 3
| 2
| 1
||
||
|}

===Chassis and engines===
Three engine suppliers joined the new championship at its inception: [[Mercedes-Benz]], produced by HWA; [[Opel]], produced by Spiess; and [[Toyota]], produced by TOM's. A limited number of teams have competed with [[Renault]] and [[Mugen-Honda]] powerplants. In the series' first year, HWA-Mercedes supplied engines for seven entrants from three teams.<ref>{{cite web | title = Mercedes increases its F3 attack | url = http://www.autosport-atlas.com/article.asp?id=21898 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> They included [[ASM Formule 3]], with which it subsequently developed a very successful partnership. Since its first Formula Three championship win with ASM in 2004, Mercedes' success has been influential in its growth in popularity among the Euroseries' teams, and has left Spiess-Opel as the only remaining competition.

When the series began, all entrants took a conservative approach to their choice of chassis supplier and opted for the established [[Dallara]] F302/F303.<ref>[http://www.speedsportmag.de/racing/statentry.php?sprache=en&back=formula3euroseries&sid=117 2003 Entry List] Retrieved on [[January 25]] [[2007]].</ref> Alternative chassis have been tested and/or raced on occasions, but for a variety of reasons, they have failed to become established. In the opening round of 2004, a pair of Anglo-Japanese [[Lola Racing Cars|Lola]]-[[Dome (constructor)|Dome]] F106/03 chassis were entered by [[Enzo Coloni Racing Car Systems|Coloni Motorsport]] before the team returned to the [[Italian Formula Three|Italian F3 Championship]].<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_km3610/is_200410/ai_n8638033 Vilander denied Italian title] Retrieved on [[January 25]] [[2007]].</ref> The two chassis builders later parted company, with Lola developing the B05/30 and Dome continuing with the F106. Dome announced its intention to promote its product to Euroseries teams in 2005,<ref>{{cite web | title = Dome looks to Europe in 2005 | url = http://www.autosport-atlas.com/article.asp?id=40418 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> though it has not been raced in the series to date. In February 2005, AM-Holzer Rennsport announced its intention to enter a new F3 chassis from the French constructor [[Mygale]] – the 05F3.<ref>{{cite web | title = Holzer chooses Mygale | url = http://www.autosport-atlas.com/article.asp?id=41965 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> However, Holzer returned to the Dallara F305 by the start of the season.

Meanwhile, the experienced French team Signature branched out into chassis design and developed the ''SLC''. A single SLC-Opel was driven by Fabio Carbone alongside three Dallara F305s in Signature's four-car line-up, but it was not quite as competitive as the team had expected and it returned to an all-Dallara line-up in 2006.<ref>{{cite web | title = Four car Signature line-up | url = http://www.f1prospects.com/2006/03/f3_euro_series__10.html | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref>

Updated versions of the Lola, Mygale and SLC have since competed in the Recaro F3 Cup.<ref>{{cite web | title = Record entries for 2006 Recaro Cup | url = http://www.f1prospects.com/2006/04/german_f3_a_rec.html | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref>

===Drivers and teams===
[[Image:P1000588b.jpg|thumb|220px|[[Sebastian Vettel]] at an F3 Euroseries promotional event in March 2006]]
The profile of the F3 Euroseries has fostered a very multi-national entry list, with approximately 12 to 15 countries regularly represented. It also attracts the best junior single-seater teams from European countries that include [[France]], [[Germany]], [[Britain]], [[Italy]] and [[Switzerland]].

Many Euroseries drivers have graduated to the [[Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters|DTM]] touring car series and [[GP2 Series|GP2]] F1 support series, as well as racing and testing roles in Formula One. [[Lewis Hamilton]] and [[Nico Rosberg]] have gained their places in Formula One via championship-winning seasons in GP2. Hamilton's former Euroseries team-mate, All-Japan F3 champion [[Adrian Sutil]], will race for [[Spyker F1]];<ref>{{cite web | title = Sutil lands Spyker race seat | url = http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/56078 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> Sebastian Vettel and [[Kazuki Nakajima]] have test driver contracts with [[BMW Sauber|BMW-Sauber]]<ref>{{cite web | title = Vettel to drive for BMW | url = http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/55251 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> and [[WilliamsF1|Williams]];<ref>{{cite web | title = Williams signs Nakajima | url = http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/55552 | accessdate = 2007-01-10 }}</ref> Jamie Green, [[Bruno Spengler]], and [[Alexandros Margaritis]] compete in the DTM; and others, such as [[Alexandre Prémat]], have established themselves in GP2.

==Championship seasons==
===2003 season===

The inaugural season attracted a strong entry list, comprised of the best teams from the merged French and German championships. The first Euroseries drivers' champion was [[Ryan Briscoe]] of [[Australia]], driving a Dallara-Opel F303 run by Prema Powerteam, based in Italy. It was a closely fought season, in which race wins were shared between eight drivers, six teams, and three engine manufacturers.<ref>{{cite web | title = 2003 Championship Results | url = http://forix.autosport.com/cp.php?l=0&d=40&r=402003&c=2 | accessdate = 2007-01-19 }}</ref> Briscoe was, at that time, a protégé of Toyota's driver development program and had already tested one of its Formula One cars at the age of 20.<ref>{{cite web | title = Young Australian Tests for Toyota | url = http://www.autosport-atlas.com/article.asp?id=17169 | accessdate = 2007-01-19 }}</ref> Two of the drivers in the 2003 championship – [[Robert Kubica]] and [[Nico Rosberg]] – are currently competing in Formula One.

===2004 season===
Full article: ''[[2004 Formula Three Euroseries season|2004 F3 Euroseries season]]''.

Briscoe's would be the only championship title to date for a driver using an Opel-powered car, as the Mercedes-backed [[ASM Formule 3]] rose to prominence in 2004. Its first drivers' title was provided by [[Jamie Green]] of [[Great Britain]]. He began to dominate the championship as the season progressed, eventually achieving seven race wins and a further seven podium finishes. He graduated to the [[Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters|DTM]] with the backing of Mercedes, and has since established himself in its factory team.

===2005 season===
Full article: ''[[2005 Formula Three Euroseries season|2005 F3 Euroseries season]]''.

ASM and Mercedes further improved on their performances of the previous season. The championship was dominated by Britain's [[Lewis Hamilton]], who had been a protégé of the [[McLaren-Mercedes]] Formula One team. He achieved a record-setting 15 race wins from 20 starts, thirteen pole positions and ten fastest laps. Hamilton graduated to [[GP2 series|GP2]], winning that championship in his rookie year, and now holds an enviable position as a Formula One driver with McLaren.<ref>{{cite web | title = Hamilton will surprise in 2007 | url = http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/56048 | accessdate = 2007-01-19 }}</ref> Also competing in 2005 was [[BMW Sauber|BMW-Sauber]]'s test driver [[Sebastian Vettel]], who finished the season as the highest-placed rookie.

===2006 season===
Full article: ''[[2006 Formula Three Euroseries season|2006 F3 Euroseries season]]''.

The status quo remained unchanged in the 2006 championship. For the third year in succession, the teams' title was won by ASM and the champion driver – [[Paul di Resta]] – was using one of its Mercedes-powered Dallaras. Sebastian Vettel joined di Resta and two other drivers in ASM's expanded line-up, and finished the year as the championship's runner-up. The use of the reverse-grid system contributed to a much closer championship and a record number of winners, with eleven different drivers reaching the top step of the podium.

==F3 Euroseries Champions==
'''Key:''' F/Laps = Fastest Race Laps<br />
'''Note:''' One qualifying session per weekend from 2006 onwards
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size: 95%"
! colspan=9 | F3 Euroseries Drivers' championship
|-
!  Year 
! Driver
!  Nationality 
!  Points 
!  Wins 
!   Poles 
!  F/Laps 
! Team
!  Chassis/Engine 
|-
! [[2006 Formula Three Euroseries season|2006]]
| [[Paul di Resta]]
| {{flagicon|UK}}
| 86
| 5
| 5
| 1
| ASM Formule 3
|  Dallara-Mercedes 
|-
! [[2005 Formula Three Euroseries season|2005]]
|  [[Lewis Hamilton]] 
| {{flagicon|UK}}
| 172
| 15
| 13
| 10
| ASM Formule 3
| Dallara-Mercedes
|-
! [[2004 Formula Three Euroseries season|2004]]
| [[Jamie Green]]
| {{flagicon|UK}}
| 139
| 7
| 6
| 7
| ASM Formule 3
| Dallara-Mercedes
|-
! [[2003 Formula Three Euroseries season|2003]]
| [[Ryan Briscoe]]
| {{flagicon|Australia}}
| 110
| 8
| 4
| 5
|  Prema Powerteam 
| Dallara-Opel
|}

== See also ==
*[[Formula Three]]
*[[GP2 Series|GP2 Championship]]

== External links ==
*[http://www.f3euroseries.com/index.php?lang=en F3 Euroseries – official website]
*[http://forix.autosport.com/ Forix.autosport.com]
*[http://www.f1prospects.com/2005/12/f3_euroseries_c.html F1 Prospects.com]
*[http://www.motorsport.com/ Motorsport.com]
*[http://www.speedsportmag.de/racing/csp_formula3euroseries.php?sprache=en Speedsport magazine]
*[http://www.clarinet.fi/%7Espitkane/formula3.htm Formula 3 Story]
*[http://www.teamdan.com/archive/gen/eurof3.html F3 Archive]
*[http://www.f3history.co.uk/ F3 History]
*[http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/871232308__AppJ_2004_Art_275.pdf FIA Formula 3 Regulations (PDF)]

== References ==
<references/>



[[Category:Auto racing series]]
[[Category:Formula Three]]
[[Category:Formula Three Euroseries| ]]

Formula Three Euroseries - Revision history

Red marquis: /* References */

Red marquis at 00:04, 19 February 2007