ATS Formula 3 Cup: the general qualification for motorsports

The racing events of the Formula 3 Association were a stepping stone for real icons: Michael Schumacher won the International German Formula 3 Championship in 1990. Jarno Trulli, Nick Heidfeld and Gary Paffett followed. All of them achieved international success in Formula 1, the German Touring Car Championship, DTM, and many other high-profile championships . The professional drivers go through a stringent training process in the ATS Formula 3 Cup, which includes driving skills, close collaboration with the engineers and the new focus of the sports media The Formula 3 Association expects a high-profile grid of about 20 drivers for 2013. The registration process starts tomorrow.

Let’s take a look back into recent history. The champions of the years 2010 to 2012 definitely passed their general qualification with flying colours. The current champion, Swede Jimmy Eriksson, continues his career in the GP3. The 2010 champion, Frenchman Tom Dillmann, also switched to the GP3 as well as GP2. New Zealander Richie Stanaway, who won the 2011 ATS Formula 3 Cup, was accepted for the Lotus F1 young driver programme and worked in the World Series by Renault 3.5 on fulfilling his big dream. The Formula 3 Association expects another high-profile grid of about 20 drivers for the 2013 season. The first teams have given green light. Many teams have been participating for years and new ones are joining. “The Formula 3 family in Germany is growing. Drivers from all over the world will compete in our series,” says Chairman Bertram Schäfer happily.

Ideal conditions at a fair price
In addition to the ATS Formula 3 Cup the Trophy rating is very popular in 2013. According to the new regulations, the chassis generation 2000 to 2008 is permitted from this season on, which enables the teams to have a cost-effective start. The Formula 3 Association also considers transparency with regard to the engines a high priority. Whereas only the Volkswagen Power Engine is permitted in the ATS Formula 3 Cup, FPT engines from Italy and Spanish Toyota power units are also allowed in the Trophy rating from now on. “All conventional Formula 3 engines are also authorized,” says Schäfer. “This is very important to us in order to provide an active platform to all Formula 3 protagonists.” And team principal Bobby Issazadhe adds: “Especially the drivers appreciate the cost-benefit factor at the ATS Formula 3 Cup. The series is the last place in the career ladder where drivers have access to unlimited testing in a serious racing car for such a low cost. The organising team is also set up perfectly and the teams are treated very respectfully and fair.” Issazadhe and his team Performance Racing Europe will compete for top positions again in 2013.

The ATS Formula 3 Cup has a good standing in the international motorsports scene. Every year, an average of nearly 20,000 spectators watch the races at the highest sportive level. A strong media interest, the presence at big events and the collaboration with the ADAC guide the ATS Formula 3 Cup into a positive future.