Excitement for the start of the 11th ATS Formula 3 Cup season

The first three of 27 races are eagerly awaited after a challenging preparation phase due to the weather conditions. The fans will get to see a high-profile grid of 22 drivers from all over the world, including local hero Marvin Kirchhöfer, at the etropolis Motorsportarena Oschersleben this weekend. The drivers intend to break the lap record from the 2004 ATS Formula 3 Cup season on the 3.696-km track. German driver Bastian Kolmsee set the bar very high with his lap time of 1:20.283 minutes.

Competing for the Lotus team, local hero and current ADAC Formel Masters champion Marvin Kirchhöfer intends to secure a place on the podium. “It is just great to contest the first race of the new season on home territory! My family, friends, partners and sponsors will keep their fingers crossed and support me at the track, which gives me a lot of strength. I can hardly wait for the green lights to come on!” The 19-year old from Leipzig is set to face a strong competition. 22 drivers will compete for points at the season opener at Oschersleben. Numerous teams and drivers have been participating for years, and there are also some new competitors in the Cup, including Gustavo Menezes from the USA, Nabil Jeffri from Malaysia and Aston Hare from South Africa. Some familiar faces from last season will return, including Pole Artem Markelov, Swiss Yannick Mettler, John Bryant-Meisner from Sweden, Belgian Jordi Weckx or Italian Luca Iannaccone. Hubertus-Carlos Vier or Freddy Killensberger are definitely names to remember. The rookies intend to prove themselves in the Trophy rating.

Ideal conditions at a fair price
The Cup rating is the highest class and only for vehicles with Volkswagen Power Engine & Push-to-Pass. A joker for every driver, they can press a special button up to ten times per race, which adds a 10-second maximum power boost of 240hp, delivering an additional 20hp. The Trophy rating also proves to be very popular. According to the new regulations, the chassis generation 2002 to 2008 is permitted from this season on, which enables the teams to have a cost-effective start. Transparency with regard to engines also has a high priority for the Formula 3 Association. Different kinds of Formula 3 power units are allowed in the Trophy rating.

Training in media-related skills
The ATS Formula 3 Cup is not only about practising the start 27 times or winning battles. The drivers learn about every aspect of the sport, including media skills training. The Ravenol Media Award will be awarded again in 2013. And the training of the drivers will include several chats with fans and journalists. The “ran racing” magazine programme on German TV channel Kabel1 will cover the ATS Formula 3 Cup. Additionally, a live stream will be available during the three races at the ADAC GT Masters weekends.