Home News European F3 successor to race only at DTM rounds in 2019

European F3 successor to race only at DTM rounds in 2019

by Peter Allen

F3

The replacement for the Formula 3 European Championship will race exclusively at DTM rounds next year.

Formel 3 Vermarktungs, a subsidiary of DTM promoter ITR, will keep the current cars racing next year when the FIA backs a new series in place of GP3 on the Formula 1 support bill.

While the outgoing European F3 series has combined DTM events with rounds at other notable circuits, the 2019 calendar consists solely of nine DTM meetings.

This will mean two trips to Hockenheim, one at either end of the season, as well as visiting Zolder and Assen for the first time thanks to the DTM adding both circuits to its schedule – Assen in place of Zandvoort as the Dutch venue.

There will be a return to Brands Hatch for the first time since 2014 – this time on the full Grand Prix loop rather than the short Indy circuit. When the DTM returned to the Kent track for 2018, European F3 preferred to use its regular Silverstone slot in support of the World Endurance Championship.

The championship’s Pau Grand Prix and Spa 24 Hours dates will also be lost.

“We have succeeded in putting together a calendar that holds varying challenges for the young drivers,” said F3V CEO Walter Mertes.

“We have former and current Formula 1 circuits on the programme as well as new and interesting venues.

“One of the most important elements is the fact that all the races will be held in the highly professional environment of the DTM. Thus, we underline our strong partnership and close ties with the DTM.

“Teams and drivers can showcase themselves in front of the three premium brands Audi, BMW and the newly acquired manufacturer Aston Martin. Moreover, the DTM is guaranteeing us a maximum amount of track time per weekend.”

At six of the nine rounds, the F3 series will be joined on the DTM support bill by the new W Series for female drivers, which uses the FIA’s new regional F3 specification.

2019 calendar
May 3-5: Hockenheim
May 17-19: Zolder
June 7-9: Misano
July 5-7: Norisring
July 19-21: Assen
August 10-11: Brands Hatch
August 23-25: Lausitzring
September 13-15: Nurburgring
October 4-6: Hockenheim