Chequered flag for the 2013 ATS Formula 3 Cup

The 2013 ATS Formula 3 Cup has crossed the finished line after 27 races at seven different tracks in Germany and Belgium. To top it all, the new champion, Marvin Kirchhöfer, completed the general qualification for motorsports with honours. However, the rows behind him saw future professionals and numerous talents who made a lot of progress during the past few months. Some of them will probably take their career to higher motorsports series in the next few years. We will surely hear from Sebastian Balthasar, the Trophy champion, again. It is time for a review at the end of the active racing season and a preview of the year 2014.

It was definitely a season to remember, even if you only consider the pre-season weather. Many teams had to postpone their test sessions several times due to snow. The qualifying session at Nürburgring was hindered by fog in the Eifel. Nevertheless, everybody did their homework and it became a very interesting season. “A highlight that springs to mind was when our new champion had to start from the back twice in the support programme of the ADAC GT Masters at Lausitzring and still secured podium finishes,” remembers Sebastian Wittrisch, Head of Organisation and member of the Board of the Formula 3 Association. “It was quite impressive how he showed what he is made of. Anyway, I was pleased for every driver who won a podium place.”

First modifications are effective
The Formula 3 Association is getting ready for the future by introducing the first modifications in 2013, including a new website and an increased social media presence. “Those can be first steps only,” says Wittrisch. “We intend to expand our external communication and build a stronger international network.” Additionally, professional marketing is to increase the attractiveness of Germany’s fastest single-seater series for new drivers and teams. A constructive collaboration has already developed with the new Board, which was established at the end of 2012. “We intensified the communication with our teams considerably,” explains the Head of Organisation. “They are much better involved in the decision process now.”

Ready for 2014
All races of the 2014 ATS Formula 3 Cup will take place in the support programme of the ADAC GT Masters series. We have already received some positive feedback. “It is the ideal platform for us, considering the steady, perfectly organised conditions,” says a pleased Wittrisch. “The international top series need to schedule their events now for us to plan our calender as well.” The ATS Formula 3 Cup will pave the way for a positive future in 2014. It is the series for young talents with the best cost-performance ratio in Europe and an important step in the career of all Formula drivers who want to improve their skills in motorsports and complete their general qualification for motorsports.