ATS: Series Sachsenring preview

A special challenge

The new season has just begun and now, the ATS Formula 3 Cup teams and drivers are going to face their first major challenge. After all, the venue of the 2010 season's second race weekend will be the Sachsenring. The tradition-rich circuit located near Zwickau is regarded as one of the most demanding racetracks on the calendar - and this does not only apply to racing there but also to the setting the car up properly.

The Sachsenring quickly separates the wheat from the chaff, say the pundits. Here, both courage and extreme car control at the very limit are a must. There are uphill and downhill sections, many corners are blind and some sections incredibly fast. And the fact that practicing at the Eastern German circuit is virtually impossible adds to the challenge. Should the ATS Formula 3 Cup rookies deliver on the same level as they did in the season kick-off at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, the life of the established drivers will be anything but easy, this year.

Be that as it may - the races at the Sachsenring most definitely will feature extremely thrilling race action. While the Formula 3 rookies don't show the slightest dose of respect, the established drivers try to make maximum use of their experience. A young Dane, for instance, really goes for it: Kevin Magnussen. The only 17-year old rookie secured a race win and a second place in his ATS Formula 3 Cup debut and travels to the Sachsenring as championship leader. "Magnussen is a true racer," assessed an experienced Team Principal, thus underlining that the Evel Knievel fan knows just one approach: flat out. At the same time, the debut of 17-year old Daniel Abt was just as impressive. The Formula 3 rookie from Kempten, Germany, also secured two podium finishes and consequently, he holds second championship position behind Magnussen. It goes without saying that Stef Dusseldorp has realised these performances and is determined to strike back. The 20-year old Dutchman was runner-up in the 2009 Cup and seeks for revenge, this weekend.

At the end of the day, the Sachsenring represents a true challenge for all those involved. But that's exactly why it's so popular with the young guns. The bigger the task, the bigger the ambitions. They all are convinced of their potential and rely on their abilities to also make it in Formula 1.

The ATS Formula 3 Cup 'Class of 2010' could prove to be a very special one. Already now you can take it for granted that the popular young-gun series features the most competitive grid of its history. And the Sachsenring race action even can be watched on TV: on 10th May from 00:15hrs on Kabel 1 and on 13th May from 11:35 to 14:00hrs in the magazine broadcasted by SPORT1 (formerly D:SF).

-source: formel.de