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.
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