Formula 3: Zeller starts to defend title
RETURN The Drexler Formula 3 Cup, which has evolved from the Remus Cup, begins on the Monza GP circuit. Once again the favorite is Sandro Zeller from Zurich, who actually wanted to start somewhere else. Actually, Sandro Zeller wanted to start in the new Formula European Masters. The new international racing series within the framework of the DTM was seen as a catch-all for teams and drivers [...]
Sandro Zeller actually wanted to compete in the new Formula European Masters. The new international racing series within the framework of the DTM was seen as a catch-all for teams and drivers with the previous two-liter naturally aspirated race cars from the 2018 FIA Formula 3 European Championship. Because the European Championship is now being held with Dallara turbo race cars in the run-up to Formula 1 instead of GP3, the Germans launched the Formula European Masters.
No start in the newly acquired Dallara F317
Unfortunately, there were quite a few verbal commitments, but not enough firm ones. So the makers pulled the ripcord even before the first official test drives. This meant that Jo Zeller Racing from Oetwil am See also had to change its season plans.
Sandro Zeller: "That would have been interesting. I had a pretty good offer and would certainly have driven if the series had come about."
The specially purchased Dallara F317 will now be made ready for racing anyway and used as soon as suitable opportunities arise.
Back to the winning car from 2016
In the Drexler Automotive Formula Cup, which emerged from the Remus Formula Cup dominated by Zeller in 2018, the modern car is not permitted. Sandro Zeller will therefore once again be driving one of the older models from the fleet of the Zurich-based team that specializes in Formula 3. And as before, with start number 44, with which Lewis Hamilton also wins in Formula 1.
For the opening race to Monza, Jo and Sandro Zeller took along the Dallara F308 Mercedes that Sandro drove to the Remus Formula 3 Cup title in 2012 in the European Championship and in 2016 with nine victories in 14 races.
After that, Zeller wants to decide "on a whim" where he'll compete with the more modern F312. Thanks to its aerodynamics, this car has more downforce and is therefore faster in the corners, but slower on the straights than the older models. The champion of the past three years wants to show that it's also possible to win with it.
Attack of the Italians
At the moment, Zeller is not sure whether he will travel to all seven events in Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary. Even with absences, it could be enough to win the championship again.
At the season opener in Monza, the Italians want to stop Zeller's winning streak after one year. Last year, he suffered his only defeat of the season there after a tough duel followed by a time penalty.
Good Swiss presence
Other Swiss participants in the Drexler Automotive Cup are Urs Rüttimann and Marcel Tobler, who are managed by Jo Zeller Racing. Because a crack in the block was discovered during the overhaul of his Mercedes engine, Tobler will have to forgo the start in Monza.
Kurt Böhlen, who has also already won races and knows how to play to his strengths, especially in the rain, continues to drive in the team of series operator Franz Wöss. Last year's Formula Renault Cup winner Florian Münger leaves this territory to Thomas Aregger and moves up to the Formula 3 class with a Dallara from Zeller.
As in the past three years, a separate Swiss Formula 3 Cup will be held for the Swiss drivers, including Antonino Pellegrino and Antoine Bottiroli from the Italian F2000 Trophy, who will be competing under a French license. Partner and main sponsor is Horag Hotz Racing, defending champion also here Sandro Zeller.
