In a major development in the continued regeneration of Formula 3 racing in Australia, Formula 3 Management has today announced that the category will race on the famous Mount Panorama, Bathurst circuit in 2012.
A successful application to the National Track Safety Advisory Committee ensures that the category can race at the circuit from next season.
Formula 3 Management intends to move quickly to begin the process of building an event of international significance from as soon as 2012, including the potential participation of overseas Formula 3 teams and drivers.
Formula 3 category management are currently in discussions with Bathurst event promoters in order to secure a round at the iconic track for the 2012 racing season, which will mark the first time in approximately 40 years that top-level ‘wings and slicks’ racing will have competed at the Mount Panorama circuit.
In 1970 Niel Allen set the then-outright lap record at 2m09.7 seconds driving a McLaren M10-B Chevrolet F5000, the last time a major ‘wings and slicks’ category raced at the circuit.
Formula 3s debut at Mount Panorama is not only expected to produce quicker lap times, but also significant international interest in the Australian Formula 3 category.
With its worldwide recognition and standing, an F3 event at Mount Panorama is expected to be a major talking point in the global F3 community and a milestone for the category in Australia.
The category hopes to announce a spot for a Bathurst race on its 2012 Calendar before August this year.
Quotes:
Ian Richards – Formula 3 Management
“The decision made by the NTSAC is welcomed by the entire Formula 3 community in Australia and indeed, around the world.
“The lure of Bathurst is truly international and the news that there was a chance Formula 3 could race there in the near future has been doing the rounds overseas and it’s created a lot of excitement. I’m sure that now it has been confirmed the interest will grow further.
“Part of the strategy in growing the sport in Australia is centred around building a major international presence within a Bathurst Formula 3 race. Not only will it benefit Formula 3 in Australia, but it will give the category another marquee circuit globally.
“It is the ultimate circuit and Formula 3 cars will be truly spectacular to watch there.”
James Winslow - 2008 Australian Formula 3 / Gold Star Champion
“I’ve raced at Macau, I’ve raced at Surfers Paradise and I’ve raced at some of the track that I think are perhaps some of the best in the world, but I think racing a Formula 3 car around Bathurst – well the thought of that gives me the same buzz as racing an F3 car around Macau does, or perhaps even more.
"It would be unreal. It would be great for people competing in the series but also for the series as well. It would be the one to be in a car for.
" I think the section across the top – the left-handers on the run to Skyline – will just be really, really impressive. And turn two (Griffins Bend) will also be great. The downforce you can put on the car and the grip you get out of it will ensure that it’s quick.
“The Dipper will be good. A lot of people don’t think that the cars can get through there but I they can, for sure. There are tracks with more gradient than that.
" I’m glad F3 is going there and I’m surprised they haven’t been there before."
Tim Macrow - 2007 Australian Formula 3 / Gold Star Champion
“People said a Formula One car would never lap Bathurst and that’s happened, so I suppose this is the natural progression.
“As a driver in Australia, the track you want to race at the most is Mount Panorama and for Australian Formula 3, where a lot of great young talent emerges, to be able to race there now is really appropriate.
“I think the racing will offer up just about everything – as every other category that races there does. It will be really impressive to drive a car with the kind of aero an F3 car has there – across the top it will be hugely impressive especially.
“I keep making the odd comeback here or there because the cars are so good to drive – and I think Bathurst might have to be on the schedule for next year!”
More information about the championship can be found at www.formula3.com.au
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