Macau GP could feature DRS for first time in 2019
DRS could be used for the first time at the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix this year, pending the final FIA track homologation.
Photo by: James Gasperotti
The GP3 Series and European Formula 3 merged to form the new FIA Formula 3 Championship for this year, which has a new single-make formula car that has also been adopted by Macau.
The previous homologation of the track expired at the end of last year, and owing to the higher power-to-weight ratio of the new F3 car, changes will be made to the Macau street track, including to Lisboa corner, to upgrade its homologation.
Changes to the circuit had been discussed to improve safety anyway, after the high-speed crash of Sophia Floersch in last year’s Macau GP.
When asked by Motorsport.com whether DRS would be implemented for the event, a spokesperson for FIA F3 – of which Macau is a non-championship round – said: “This information is pending the final track homologation by the FIA.”
The FIA F3 Championship grid comprises 10 teams and 30 cars, following a similar calendar of F1 support races to predecessor GP3.
The Abu Dhabi race in November, which was the GP3 finale last year, has been dropped for the 2019 FIA F3 calendar to allow time for teams to prepare for Macau.
The 10 teams that contest the FIA F3 Championship are also set to compete in Macau, as the FIA F3 spokesperson added: “The 10 F3 teams will be racing with three cars each as normal, and the event is limited to 30 cars. So no additional cars or teams.”
That means any prospective one-off entrants will not be able to buy their own car, and will have to hire from one of the current FIA F3 teams if a spot is available.
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Aitken, Samaia make up Campos' F2 line-up
DiBenedetto intends to “turn heads” with Wood Brothers
The difficulty that helped define F1's newest addition
2024 F1 Chinese GP sprint qualifying results: Lando Norris takes pole
IndyCar Long Beach: O’Ward leads Power in opening practice
Long Beach IMSA: Bourdais spins then tops FP2 for Cadillac
Latvala: Neuville, Evans tied for WRC Croatia lead "something special"
Ranked! Carlin's greatest F1 graduates
How a much-changed Macau GP kept the party going
Inside the Macau Grand Prix's greatest moments
From banned bad boy to Red Bull's next bright hope
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments