Simply drive inexpensively in formula racing

Drexler-Automotive Formula Cup

Team boss Peter Mücke would certainly not have expected it like this after his statement and the announced withdrawal from Formula racing. The reactions in the media were not long in coming. However, they did not come as a surprise. Peter Mücke has rather put his finger in the wound like no one before him for a long time. For the GT scene, this was certainly an upgrade. In recent years, the GT scene has not had to struggle with affordable motorsport to the same extent. The motorsport market is almost dominated by GT series worldwide. Despite rising prices, the concepts developed have contributed to enormous stability in the series.

In formula racing, the situation is somewhat different. By the end of 2012, it was already clear in Europe, especially in the Formula 3 business, that the changes made by the FIA would lead to an uncertain future. From one day to the next, there were no more national Formula 3 championships. With the creation of the Formula 3 Euro Series and the resulting Formula 3 European Championship, the bar was set really high in the "money business". In order to maintain the formula scene with Formula 3, Formula Renault and Formula 4 as a motorsport stage, especially in Austria and the neighbouring countries, it was decided to establish low-cost motorsport for professionals, newcomers and privateers with free formula races up to 2.0 litres engine capacity, following the tradition of the Austria Formula 3 Cup. The concept for this format is underlined by the bare figures of what a race entry or an entire season costs in the Drexler classification. The new Formula 4, which will be used from 2022, is estimated to have a season budget of 115,000 EUR for eight events. The cars built up to 2021 are somewhat cheaper, where a season costs around 80,000 EUR. An almost identical cost package can be estimated for Formula Renault. If you want to race in a Formula 3 Dallara built up to 2019, you have to budget 150,000 EUR for the entire season. These final sums over a season are not plucked out of thin air. A clear cost structure here shows the way the package is put together. It includes the technical and organisational requirements in formula racing, such as the entry fee, transport, support, use of tyres and fuel, as well as data analysis and insurance coverage. Included in the package is an entire weekend of racing with 2 free practice sessions (25 minutes each), one qualifying session (25 minutes each) and 2 races each over the 25-minute distance. In terms of media, television broadcasts and live streaming are anchored in the package. For 2022, the Drexler classification will be used in eight races of different organisers of formula races. These include the Hungaroring, Monza, Imola, Mugello, Red Bull Ring, Hockenheim and Spa, seven Formula 1 circuits in Europe alone. If you put it all together, the Drexler Formula Cup can really score points and, with its balanced cost structure, is not only considered an alternative in Formula racing. For more information, go to www.afr-pokale.com.

RS.09.12.2021
(Press Drexler Formula Cup)