Start of the season at the gates of Rome

Drexler - Automotive Formula Cup - Vallelunga (ITA)

The Drexler Formula Cup starts its 11th season in Vallelunga. At the end of 2012, the FIA announced the cancellation of several national Formula 3 championships. One of the Formula 3 championships that had to suspend its sporting ambitions virtually overnight was the Austria Formula 3 Cup. However, there were supporters and sponsors of the Formula 3 scene. Things continued with the Remus Formula Cup. Then, with the support of Drexler-Automotive GmbH from Salzweg in Bavaria, the current formula sprint series was successfully continued and established as one of the most attractive formula series in Europe. Thanks to the co-operation with the ZINOX F2000 Trophy, which presents the Formula 3 scene in Italy, the Drexler Formula Cup can also boast a high-calibre calendar this season.

The first stop this year is Vallelunga (19-21 March 2024). Two years ago, the 4.085-kilometre race track around 30 kilometres north of the Italian capital Rome hosted the last event. The Vallelunga Racing Weekend marks the start of the Italian circuit season and offers a packed programme on all three days. Not only the national GT Challenge and the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour will be represented. The TCR Europe will also be putting the first kilometres of racing under its wheels. "We're hoping for a great field again, although due to the early start to the season, there will be a few more participants as the season progresses," says coordinator Franz Wöss, looking ahead. With 28 formula cars, the Formula Drexler Cup together with the Zinox F2000 Trohy can offer a respectable field. The two sprint races, each lasting 25 minutes, are eagerly awaited. The new class categorisation introduced last year remains unchanged. "Once again, it will be interesting to see how the Formula 3 cars, divided into the Formula 3 Cup and the Formula 3 Trophy, perform. You can use slightly more powerful engines in the Formula 3 Cup, but the cars are also heavier," adds Franz Wöss. Since 2023, the new generation of Dallara with the F320 has found its way here. There will definitely be some contenders for victory. Defending champion Benjamin Berta (Franz Wöss Racing), who topped the overall standings for the first time in 2023, should be mentioned here. Competition lurks from seven-time champion Sandro Zellerr (Jo Zeller Racing). The Swiss will try to attack Berta this season. Japanese rider Juju Noda (Noda Racing) is no longer a major competitor. She switched to the Japanese Super Formula after an extremely successful stint in Europe last season. The spearhead in the Italian camp is likely to be Francesco Galli. However, with Bernardo Pellegrini and Dino Rasero he has strong competitors from Italy's Formula 3 squad. Two free practice sessions are scheduled for the Drexler Automotive Formula Cup on Friday (19 April) before qualifying starts on Saturday (20 April) at 13:25. The first race will take place on Sunday (21 April) at 9.40 am. The second race will take place at 4.50 pm.

RS.15.04.2024
(Press Drexler-Automotive Formula Cup)