EXTREMELY CLOSE BATTLE IN THE FIA FORMULA 3 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
The FIA Formula 3 European Championship young guns have contested three race meetings respectively nine races so far this season and at the moment it looks as if we will witness a battle for the title that couldn’t be much closer. Currently, Joel Eriksson (Motopark) holds the lead. Rookie Lando Norris (Carlin), who is tied for points with the leader, follows in second position and just two points behind them, experienced F3 driver Maximilian Günther (Prema Powerteam) currently is third.
The FIA F3 European Championship technical regulations have been revised for the 2017 season. To comply with the new rules no changes on existing parts can be made and no extra parts can be added to the car to create an aerodynamic advantage, hence costly wind tunnel testing has become unnecessary. Additional modifications to the chassis meant a common baseline has been established for all teams with the start of the new season.
The amended regulations are not only keeping down costs but also result in a more even playing field for all teams and this has made for a close competition. With nine races contested, four drivers already made it to the top step of the podium: rookie Lando Norris, last year’s rookie champion Joel Eriksson as well as the two F3 old hands Callum Ilott (Prema Powerteam) and Maximilian Günther. The German, last year’s runner-up behind Lance Stroll, who advanced to Formula One, scored in every single race contested in 2017 to date. A feat achieved by no other driver on the grid. Furthermore, he won the prestigious GP de Pau. Sweden’s Eriksson won a race at every event so far and with these three wins on his tally he holds the championship lead. Norris, the only rookie among the front-runners, has secured seven podiums, more than any other diver in the field. And there’s only one reason than prevented Ilott from turning the three-way into a four-way battle: he had to deal with two early retirements already.
Extra excitement is added to the battle for the drivers’ championship lead as the three top-placed drivers are racing for three different teams. The Prema Powerteam is a regular in the fight for the title, but BMW Junior Joel Eriksson is the first Motopark driver who is a factor in this battle. And thanks to McLaren-Junior Lando Norris, Carlin also is back as championship contender.
More thrilling races can be expected at the next FIA Formula 3 European Championship round at Hungaroring from the 16th to the 18th of June. All races will be broadcast via the live stream so you can find out for yourself who will lead the drivers’ standing after round 4.
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