Volkswagen engine to be fielded in Formula 3 Cup

Volkswagen engine to be fielded in Formula 3 Cup as well

Volkswagen Motorsport expands its commitment in Formula 3: in addition to eight junior racers in the Formula 3 Euro Series, the 2008 season will also see two drivers fight for points and victories in the ATS Formula 3 Cup -- "powered by Volkswagen". The renowned Dutch Van Amersfoort Racing team, title winner of the 2007 season, will field two Dallara-F306 chassis with 2-litre engines from Volkswagen in the German Formula 3 series. One of the two cockpits will be occupied by the Belgian rookie Laurens Vanthoor, the second one will be assigned after the team has performed further tests.

"We're delighted to have won Van Amersfoort Racing as an experienced and successful team for Volkswagen's entry into the Formula 3 Cup, and thus for our programme of promoting young talent," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "For over 30 years, Van Amersfoort has been a synonym for professional and successful work in junior series. That the team has opted for our engines in particular to defend the title shows the confidence that is already being put into 'powered by Volkswagen' after our project just started last season."

In 2007 Van Amersfoort Racing won the title in the ATS Formula 3 Cup with Carlo van Dam. As early as in 1998 the squad from Luizen (the Netherlands) celebrated an important championship win: in the German Formula 3 Championship the Belgian driver Bas Leinders clinched victory for the team, which also accompanied the subsequent Formula 1 drivers Huub Rothengatter, Jos Verstappen and Christijan Albers on their way to the pinnacle of racing, thereby making a name for itself in terms of talent promotion. "In 2008 we want to continue this work with young drivers together with Volkswagen," said team director Frits van Amersfoort. "With Laurens Vanthoor, we've got another promising talent among our ranks." After international exploits in kart racing, the 16-year-old Laurens Vanthoor is ascending to the ATS Formula 3 Cup to contest his first season in automobile racing in 2008.

In 2003 the ATS Formula 3 Cup continues the German Formula 3 tradition, which originated in 1975 with the foundation of the Formula 3 association. In the Formula 3 Cup aspiring racers are offered a primarily national platform with numerous benefits. The schedule with nine rounds, predominantly staged in Germany, enables affordable, yet professional motorsport. A successful concept: in 2007 the series had 35 contenders. In 2008 the Cup features an attractive competition in terms of technology as well: in addition to Volkswagen, there are four other engine manufacturers committed to the series as well as three different chassis suppliers.

-credit: volkswagen-motorsport.info