The problems with the OPC Challenge engine Frédéric Vervisch encountered during the season opener of the ATS Formula 3 Cup persisted in Oschersleben, where the second round of th championship was held. Frédérics Swiss Racing Team worked feverishly to find a solution, without effective results however.

Qualifying promised to be very difficult. “Even though we had a lack of power, we were in front until the session was neutralised due to different incidents. I wasn’t able to get the most out of my tyres after that and this resulted in aseventh and sixth place on the grid for both races”, said Vervisch.

Like in Hockenheim, Frédéric made fantastic starts, but the Opel engine seemed to be a real handicap during the races. In the first race, Fred was able to finish fifth.

In race 2, Frédéric got a better result. At the start, he overtook three cars and when the leaders pushed each other off the track, the 21-year-old Belgian took the lead. And he did well. He was able to hold off Johnny Cecotto, theson of the former motorcycle world champion, until the penultimate lap. Lapping a slower car, Fred was forced off the track into the dirt and lost the lead to Cecotto. Nevertheless, Frédéric finished in a strong second place.

Vervisch concluded: “We minimised the damage again in Oschersleben. Like Cecotto, I scored twelve valuable points and no other driver did better this weekend. Looking at the situation with the engine, this is just great.”

In the points standings Frédéric climbed from seventh to fourth place. He is now only six points behind the leader.

On May 23rd and 24th, Frédéric races again in the ATS F3 Cup. This time on the Nürburgring in course of the 24-hour race.