Europe’s most important F3 race for the first time
at Zolder
Track length: 3.977 kilometres
Lap record: 1:31.107 min. /Giorgio Pantano, 2000 (different
track layout)
Distance: 28 laps
Winner 2006: Paul di Resta
For the first time in its history, the Masters of Formula
3, Europe’s most important and prestigious Formula 3
race, will be held at Zolder, Belgium. The Masters traditionally
represents the clash of the best drivers racing in numerous
European Formula 3 Championships. Since the foundation of
the Formula 3 Euro Series, in 2003, the title always was secured
by Euro series drivers. A proof of the fact that the Formula
3 Euro Series succeeded in quickly establishing as the world’s
most competitive young-gun series.
Christian Klien (2003), Alexandre Prémat (2004), Lewis
Hamilton (2005) and Paul di Resta (2006) were the Formula
3 Euro Series drivers who prevailed in the Masters in the
past four years. Following their respective wins, each of
the four successfully made the next steps on the international
motor racing ladder. Austrian Klien moved straight up to Formula
1, Great Britain’s Lewis Hamilton secured the GP2 Series
title in the year following his Euro Series triumph, was signed
as McLaren Mercedes test driver and now, in his first year
as GP driver, he holds the F1 World Championship lead. At
the same time, Frenchman Prémat and Scot di Resta currently
impress with great performances and podium finishes, in their
maiden DTM season.
This year, Romain Grosjean (ASM Formule 3) travels to the
Masters of Formula 3 as Formula 3 Euro Series Championship
leader. In the season to date, the French has prevailed five
times. Apart from Grosjean, Nico Hülkenberg (ASM Formule
3, two wins), Sébastien Buemi (Mücke Motorsport),
Edoardo Mortara (Signature-Plus), Kamui Kobayashi (ASM Formule
3), James Jakes (Manor Motorsport) and Franck Mailleux (Manor
Motorsport, one win each) also made it to the highest step
of the Formula 3 Euro Series podium, this year. And they all
must be regarded as potential Masters winners. A success that
may represent a major step to a successful motor racing career
– as demonstrated by Hamilton, Klien, Prémat
und di Resta.
Up to and including the 2006 season, the battle of the best
drivers of all the Formula 3 series was held at the Circuit
Park Zandvoort. Due to noise regulations, however, the 2007
edition of the rich in tradition event must be held at Zolder,
Belgium. That’s why the event bears the slightly weird
name ‘Zandvoort Masters at Zolder’, this year.
Nico Hülkenberg (ASM Formule 3): “The
Masters is a special event for me, still, my approach will
be the same as it is for every other race. Quite obviously,
it’s my goal to secure the best possible finish but
realising this goal will be anything but easy. It’s
true, the Masters was dominated by Formula 3 Euro Series drivers,
in the recent past, still, you shouldn’t underestimate
the drivers racing in the British Formula 3 Championship.
I like the Zolder circuit. It’s a very flowing track
that features several fast corners.”
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