Formula 3: Jenzer in the big circle in 2019
APPROVED STARTING PLACES GP3 will become the new FIA Formula 3 in 2019, which will only race as part of Formula 1. Jenzer Motorsport from Lyss is one of the ten teams that will receive three starting places each. As reported in the spring, Formula 3 will be upgraded by the FIA, the world's automotive governing body, from 2019. The FIA Formula 3 [...]
As reported in the spring, Formula 3 will be upgraded by the FIA from 2019. The FIA Formula 3 Championship will replace the current GP3 series and, like the latter, will only be held as part of the Formula 1 World Championship.
Pyramid of FIA formulas
Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula 1 thus form a pyramid with FIA status. The basis remains unchanged for Formula 4, which is held in many countries.
The former FIA Formula 3 European Championship with naturally aspirated two-liter engines will become an international racing series, the majority of which will continue to compete within the DTM.
Ten of 18 teams selected
18 mostly renowned or newly formed teams from all over the world have applied for a starting place in the new FIA Formula 3. Ten have been accepted, seven are already active in FIA Formula 2. All of them have to field three race cars each.
Fortunately for Switzerland and the team boss concerned, one of the teams selected is Jenzer Motorsport from Lyss.
Proud of the award
The team run by Andreas Jenzer and his partner Esther Lauber had already made a name for itself in Formula Renault and was one of the top teams in GP3.
Andreas Jenzer: "When you see who applied and was awarded the contract and you know which renowned teams were not considered, it makes us very proud."
Associated with the contract award is the investment in new race cars. The chassis, which will continue to be supplied by Dallara, will feature the Halo cockpit safety system as in Formula 1 and Formula 2. The engine (3.4-liter V6 with 400 hp), the transmission (6-speed electro-hydraulic from Hewland) and the rear axle will be taken over from the Dallara GP3/16 that has been in use since 2016.
Jenzer is looking forward to the drivers
Since the demand for driver places is greater than the supply, a top-class field of participants can be expected. Jenzer is already rubbing his hands together.
Andreas Jenzer: "Some people will be amazed at who will be driving with us. A fantastic situation for us as a small Swiss team. Our years of hard and serious work in Formula 4 and GP3 are obviously paying off."
Liberty Media, which has held the rights to Formula 1 for three years, had a say in the choice of teams. The Americans also attach importance to a high-quality supporting program, which includes the two highest junior formulas below Formula 1 and the Porsche Supercup.
Andreas Jenzer: "Spectator numbers have increased again in Formula 1. It's great to continue to be part of Formula 1. For us, this addition is the biggest success this year."
GP3 season ends at the end of November
In sporting terms, the year is not yet over for Jenzer Motorsport. The GP3 Championship 2018 will not come to an end until the GP in Abu Dhabi on the last weekend in November.
So far, a fourth place by Juan Manuel Correa is the best finish by a Jenzer driver. The American is in 13th position in the championship.
Tatiana Calderón's best result to date is sixth place in Race 1 at Monza. Whether the Colombian will continue to drive for Jenzer in 2019, which would be the wish of Andreas Jenzer ("She is currently one of the fastest women in racing") will soon become clear.
