Biggest Formula 3 race of the year Eight wins so far – Volkswagen looking to continue successful tradition in MacauGiovinazzi, Leclerc and Co. line up with Carlin, Van Amersfoort, Motopark and Signature
It is regarded as the unofficial Formula 3 World Championship: the Macau Grand Prix. Volkswagen can justifiably fancy its changes ahead of the most important and prestigious race in the number one series for young, single-seater drivers. The Wolfsburg-based company has a good hand in the gambling paradise of Macau: ten promising, talented young drivers, including the runner-up and fourth-placed drivers in this year’s Formula 3 European Championship, Antonio Giovinazzi (I) and Charles Leclerc (MC), will be “powered by Volkswagen”. Their cars will be run by four renowned racing teams: Carlin Motorsport, Van Amersfoort Racing, Signature and Motopark. Together, they are out to continue Volkswagen’s proud tradition at the 6.2-kilometre street circuit: Volkswagen currently has eight victories to its name as an engine supplier.
“The Grand Prix in Macau is not only the unofficial Formula 3 World Championship, but also the final highlight of the season,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. “The drivers naturally want to win here and follow in the footsteps of some true motorsport greats. The teams will also be working flat-out to head into the winter break with that positive feeling you get from a win. Macau is widely regarded as a gaming paradise – and you need to take the odd gamble out on the track here too: How shall I set my car up for qualifying and the race? Who will give me the all-important slipstream on the straights? And when is the right tactical moment to attack the car in front? In any case, it will be a real thrill for the drivers – and great entertainment for the spectators.”
In the footsteps of Brabham, Schumacher and Co. – the Volkswagen contingent
Mauricio Gugelmin, Andy Wallace, David Brabham and Michael Schumacher were all “powered by Volkswagen” when they were crowned king of the Formula 3 world. In 2015, ten talented youngsters will line up with engines from Wolfsburg as they strive to emulate their successful idols. DTM ace Edoardo Mortara is the only driver ever to have won two Formula 3 races in Macau – also with Volkswagen Power. The contingent will be spearheaded by Carlin’s Antonio Giovinazzi, who finished runner-up in this year’s Formula 3 European Championship. He will be joined on the Macau grid by team-mates Gustavo Menezes (USA), Yu Kanamaru (J) and Callum Illott (GB). The fourth-placed driver in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, Charles Leclerc (MC), will race for Van Amersfoort Racing, together with Alessio Lorandi (I). The Signature team will line up with two Dallara-Volkswagens, with Alexander Albon (THA) and Dorian Boccolacci (F) at the wheel, while the Motopark team sends Markus Pommer (D) and Sérgio Sette Câmara (BR) into action.
Quotes ahead of the Formula 3 Grand Prix in Macau
Antonio Giovinazzi (I, Carlin Motorsport), Dallara-Volkswagen #7“We have prepared well for the Grand Prix in Macau. We have had good results all season. The entire team has worked hard to ensure that we arrive here in good spirits and can now look forward to the weekend. It is always special to be here. We will do our best to challenge for the win. However, this is Macau – which means you also need a bit of luck on your side.”
Charles Leclerc (MC, Van Amersfoort Racing), Dallara-Volkswagen #15“This is my first time in Macau. Up until now, all I really knew about the track was that it is a street circuit. Having now had chance to take a look at it, I have to say: it looks as though it is going to be great fun. I love street circuits. I grew up in Monaco and regularly watched the Grand Prix there. Macau has a similar atmosphere. I can hardly wait to race here for the first time.”
Schedule for the Formula 3 Grand Prix, Macau (UTC +8 hours)Thursday, 19 November 201509:35–10:15 hrs Formula 3 Grand Prix, 1st free practice (40 minutes)14:20–15:00 hrs Formula 3 Grand Prix, 1st qualifying (40 minutes)Friday, 20 November 201509:35–10:15 hrs Formula 3 Grand Prix, 2nd free practice (40 minutes)15:55–16:35 hrs Formula 3 Grand Prix, 2nd qualifying (40 minutes)Saturday, 21 November 201513:45–14:45 hrs Formula 3 Grand Prix, qualifying race (10 laps)Sunday, 22 November 201515:30–16:30 hrs Formula 3 Grand Prix, race (15 laps)
