Sandro Zeller: champion in absentia
LOST START Although Sandro Zeller did not take part in the Drexler-Automotive Formula Cup races in Hungary, he secured the championship title early. His fifth in a row. Jo Zeller Racing informed series organizer Franz Wöss around two weeks in advance that they would not be making the long journey to the Hungaroring. The risks involved were too unclear [...].
Jo Zeller Racing informed series organizer Franz Wöss around two weeks in advance that they would not be making the long trip to the Hungaroring. The associated possible restrictions and the risk of quarantine after the return were too unclear.
Two insignificant races
The Austrian held on to the event despite the cancellation of all the Swiss, which included Wöss' customer Thomas Aregger. Despite additional classification to the FIA Zone Eastern Europe and a Hungarian series, only eleven vehicles in five classes came together. The two races on the Hungaroring thus turned into a farce. Here are the results from Race 1 and Race 2.
At least they had no effect on the championship, where nothing changed at the top. On the contrary, Sandro Zeller, who was unbeaten in the previous eight rounds, has since been crowned champion ahead of schedule despite his absence.
Fellow countryman Aregger as biggest opponent
Only Aregger could theoretically have been knocked off the throne by the soon-to-be 29-year-old from Zurich. With two wins in Hungary, for which he would have been the clear contender, he could have come within nine points of Zeller in the Cup and postponed the decision.
For the old and new champion in this private Formula 3 racing series, the fifth title in a row - about which AutoSprintCH informed him - has no particular significance.
Sandro Zeller: "What can we say about that? This year was just special and difficult, even for other championships. Too bad, the competition was not great. Thomas Aregger was my biggest opponent this year."
Final with the Italians
Unless short-term official regulations or other reasons lead to cancellation, the final will be held in Monza on November 7/8. There, with the inclusion of the Top Jet F.2000 Italian Trophy, there will once again be a respectable field.
Jo Zeller Racing will travel to Monza with three Formula 3 race cars for Sandro Zeller, Kurt Böhlen (as in Mugello with Zeller's 2016 title-winning Dallara 308-Mercedes) and Urs Rüttimann. Like Zeller's title, second place overall can practically no longer be snatched from Aregger.
In the Swiss Formula 3 Cup, supported by Horag Hotz Racing, however, the first two positions in this order are already definitely taken.
