2008 F3 EuroSeries calendar & off season chat

[sauber11]

Euro: Carlin hands out first seat.
Richard Philippe to make F3 debut.
http://www.crash.net/motorsport/f3/n...irst_seat.html

[Alex K]

Well, he's not world beatter, let's w8 for ace number 1 (Kennard ?).

[J.B.]

Is the live timing link on the f3 euro site working for anyone?

There goes my advanced lurker status...

[META4]

Morning Session

1. Nico Hulkenberg - ART Grand Prix - 1:28.695
2. Jules Bianchi - ART Grand Prix - 1:28.710
3. James Jakes - ART Grand Prix - 1:29.063
4. Mika Maki - Mucke Motorsport - 1:29.266
5. Christian Vietoris - Mucke Motorsport - 1:29.363
6. Jean Karl Vernay - Red Bull Signature - 1:29.892
7. Jon Lancaster - ART Grand Prix - 1:30.013
8. Rodolfo Gonzalez - Carlin Motorsport - 1:30.068
9. Dani Clos - Prema Powerteam - 1:30.196
10. Maximilian Gotz - RC Motorsport - 1:30.203


THe second Carlin Car is driven by Rodolfo Gonzalez

[pericu]

Day 2

Morning
1 - Nico Hulkenberg (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'28"404
2 - Christian Vietoris (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'28"467
3 - Jules Bianchi (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'28"538
4 - Mika Maki (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'28"656
5 - Dani Clos (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'28"951
6 - Richard Philippe (Dallara-Mercedes) - Carlin - 1'29"009
7 - Kodai Tsukakoshi (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'29"106
8 - Rodolfo Gonzalez (Dallara-Mercedes) - Carlin - 1'29"109
9 - Kazuya Oshima (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'29"116
10 - Michael Klein (Dallara-Mercedes) - Zeller - 1'29"120
11 - Maximilian Goetz (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'29"166
12 - Sam Bird (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'29"202
13 - James Jakes (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'29"281
14 - Jean Karl Vernay (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'29"350
15 - Erik Janis (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'29"358
16 - Renger Van der Zande (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'29"375
17 - Henki Waldschmidt (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG – 1’29”420
18 - Tom Dillmann (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG - 1'29"614
19 - Edoardo Mortara (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'29"705
20 - Jon Lancaster (Dallara-Volkswagen) - ART- 1'29"757
21 - Niall Breen (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'29"781
22 - Martin Plowman (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'29"819
23 - Franck Mailleux (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'29"936
24 - Charlie Kimball (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'29"975
25 - Yann Clairay (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG - 1'29"994
26 - Daniel Campos (Dallara-Mercedes) - HBR - 1'30"102
27 - Jens Klingmann (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'30"114
28 - Stefano Coletti (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'30"249
29 - Basil Shaaban (Dallara-Mercedes) - HBR - 1'30"276

Afternoon
1 - Kodai Tsukakoshi (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'29"247
2 - Rodolfo Gonzalez (Dallara-Mercedes) - Carlin - 1'29"652
3 - Richard Philippe (Dallara-Mercedes) - Carlin - 1'29"749
4 - Henki Waldschmidt (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG - 1'29"771
5 - Edoardo Mortara (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'29"873
6 - Dani Clos (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'29"905
7 - Maximilian Goetz (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'30"040
8 - Erik Janis (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'30"102
9 - Jean Karl Vernay (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'30"148
10 - Sam Bird (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'30"170
11 - Mika Maki (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'30"211
12 - Christian Vietoris (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'30"365
13 - Daniel Campos (Dallara-Mercedes) - HBR - 1'30"392
14 - Kazuya Oshima (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'30"395
15 - Stefano Coletti (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'30"424
16 - Tom Dillmann (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG - 1'30"493
17 - Jules Bianchi (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'30"603
18 - Niall Breen (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'30"682
19 - Franck Mailleux (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'30"708
20 - Renger Van der Zande (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'30"722
21 - Nico Hulkenberg (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'30"781
22 - James Jakes (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'30"790
23 - Jon Lancaster (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'30"893
24 - Basil Shaaban (Dallara-Mercedes) - HBR - 1'30"959
25 - Martin Plowman (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'30"967
26 - Yann Clairay (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG - 1'30"983
27 - Charlie Kimball (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'31"145
28 - Michael Klein (Dallara-Mercedes) - Zeller - 1'31"460
29 - Jens Klingmann (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'32"186

ART is the best team at the moment, for sure. But there is a little detail. ART was testing three days at Jerez and two days at Nogaro, so they had had the set-up. The others teams have started in this test.

At afternoon there was a lot of wind. For this reason the times have been worst than morning. Good times for Manor, Carlin and Mucke (excellent Maki and Vietoris). Also, very good Dani Clos who has obtained the best time for Prema.

The next weekend, test in Estoril.

[Alex K]

I doubt Bird's real potential is 10-12 place, there are some little vows Manor must fight in the wake of championship start to give him title challenge Mercedes-Dallara. I still admire him for his brave move, from title contender in the UK, to one of the toughest championships in the world, and hope he will deliver. Tsukakoshi was top spot in the afternoon so they have base and pace.

Did you notice strong Philippe performance? :-o

[strider]

Originally Posted by Alex K

Did you notice strong Philippe performance? :-o

Yes. It was a very strong first showing by Carlin, with Rodolfo Gonzalez also in the overall top ten - http://www.f3euroseries.com/ergebnisse/2008-03-16-c.pdf

[pericu]

Estoril, Day 1

1 - Tom Dillmann (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG - 1'32"313
2 - Kodai Tsukakoshi (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'32"379
3 - Henki Waldschmidt (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG - 1'32"382
4 - Nico Hulkenberg (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'32"457
5 - Mika Maki (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'32"543
6 - Martin Plowman (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'32"623
7 - Jules Bianchi (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'32"717
8 - James Jakes (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'32"903
9 - Richard Philippe (Dallara-Mercedes) - Carlin - 1'32"937
10 - Christian Vietoris (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'32"948
11 - Jon Lancaster (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'33"065
12 - Yann Clairay (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG - 1'33"065
13 - Renger Van der Zande (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'33"132
14 - Jean Karl Vernay (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'33"171
15 - Stefano Coletti (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'33"244
16 - Kazuya Oshima (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'33"263
17 - Franck Mailleux (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'33"310
18 - Michael Klein (Dallara-Mercedes) - Zeller - 1'33"311
19 - Erik Janis (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'33"334
20 - Sam Bird (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'33"353
21 - Maximilian Goetz (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'33"497
22 - Edoardo Mortara (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'33"504
23 - Niall Breen (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'33"612
24 - Charlie Kimball (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'33"628
25 - Daniel Campos (Dallara-Mercedes) - HBR - 1'33"639
26 - Dani Clos (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'33"753
27 - Cheng Cong Fu (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'33"809
28 - Rodolfo Gonzalez (Dallara-Mercedes) - Carlin - 1'34"266
29 - Basil Shaaban (Dallara-Mercedes) - HBR - 1'34"393

[kerrmanningjarv]

Gonzalez very slow - car problem or just slow pace?

[Daisy]

Rookie's doing good so far. It's gonna be an interesting season, although I think Hülkenberg should walk with it.

[kerrmanningjarv]

Hulki should indeed walk it after winning races in F3 Euroseries last year, including a domination of the Zolder masters, and his A1GP domination.

[sauber11]

Originally Posted by Alex K

I doubt Bird's real potential is 10-12 place,

And you was damn right
1 - Sam Bird (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'32"035
2 - Nico Hulkenberg (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'32"086
3 - Mika Maki (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'32"184
4 - James Jakes (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'32"203
5 - Kodai Tsukakoshi (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'32"245
6 - Michael Klein (Dallara-Mercedes) - Zeller - 1'32"266
7 - Tom Dillmann (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG - 1'32"313
8 - Jules Bianchi (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'32"341
9 - Henki Waldschmidt (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG - 1'32"382
10 - Maximilian Goetz (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'32"430
11 - Jean Karl Vernay (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'32"456
12 - Martin Plowman (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'32"623
13 - Erik Janis (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'32"656
14 - Richard Philippe (Dallara-Mercedes) - Carlin - 1'32"682
15 - Christian Vietoris (Dallara-Mercedes) - Mucke - 1'32"710
16 - Kazuya Oshima (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'32"849
17 - Renger Van der Zande (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'32"875
18 - Rodolfo Gonzalez (Dallara-Mercedes) - Carlin - 1'33"007
19 - Niall Breen (Dallara-Mercedes) - Manor - 1'33"031
20 - Jon Lancaster (Dallara-Mercedes) - ART - 1'33"065
21 - Yann Clairay (Dallara-Mercedes) - SG - 1'33"065
22 - Franck Mailleux (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'33"130
23 - Cheng Cong Fu (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'33"151
24 - Daniel Campos (Dallara-Mercedes) - HBR - 1'33"178
25 - Edoardo Mortara (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'33"194
26 - Stefano Coletti (Dallara-Volkswagen) - Signature - 1'33"194
27 - Charlie Kimball (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'33"250
28 - Jens Klingmann (Dallara-Volkswagen) - RC - 1'33"301
29 - Dani Clos (Dallara-Mercedes) - Prema - 1'33"333
30 - Basil Shaaban (Dallara-Mercedes) - HBR - 1'33"360

[Daisy]

19 cars within one second and the difference between 1 and 30 less than 1.4 seconds ... impressive ...

[Go_For_Pole]

Impressive but also expected. I mean finding weak links in this grid, Shaaban apart, is almost impossible. Some careers will suffer come the end of the year.

[OJB]

There are so many good drivers in the Euroseries this year - whoever comes away with the title will have earnt it. I suppose it is more make-or-break for the 2nd year drivers, since there are so many 1st year drivers who probably need to make their mark rather than challenge for the title.

With that in mind, Hulkenberg, Jakes, Mortara, Vernay and Mailleux especially need to step up this year. However, those VW engines don't look quite good enough to challenge Mercedes just yet...

[Alex K]

That's probably the strongest F3 ES grid ever. I wouldn't say Hulkenberg will walk away with anything, unless of a magic of ART's wind tunnel, he must score point by point to win the title. Class of 2008 is so strong, and new cars make such a difference (es. seeing things in British F3) that I wouldn't predict anything. I think we may see as many as 10 different leg winners this year, and at least twenty different drivers climbing on the rostrum. I just can't wait.

I said that to some of you, but I am really surprised by Bird's couriage. He stepped up from being main title contender in BF3 into unknown ground in F3ES. In it wasn't marketing move (from BP side) he's brave man. In BF3, he'd been one of three main contenders. I hope he'll deliver, fingers crossed for him, for his bravery at least. Good luck Sam.

[pericu]

Tomorrow will start the last test at Magny Cours, where will participate practically all the teams.
The only question from drivers is who will be the third driver HBR. I think Marco Holzer.

[Daisy]

So far no 3rd HBR (at least not today). Also no Manor, Carlin and Jo Zeller Racing. Hülkenberg quickest.

1 N. Hulkenberg ART Grand Prix 01:33.707 101
2 C. Vietoris ASL Mücke Motorsport 01:33.830 85
3 D. Clos Prema Powerteam 01:33.876 87
4 J. Bianchi ART Grand Prix 01:34.031 84
5 R. Van der Zande Prema Powerteam 01:34.067 77
6 J. Vernay Signature-Plus 01:34.181 91
7 F. Mailleux Signature-Plus 01:34.226 88
8 H. Waldschmidt SG Formula 01:34.280 37
9 C. Kimball Prema Powerteam 01:34.309 72
10 M. Mäki ASL Mücke Motorsport 01:34.323 92
11 S. Coletti Signature-Plus 01:34.347 70
12 E. Janis ASL Mücke Motorsport 01:34.375 86
13 J. Jakes ART Grand Prix 01:34.415 82
14 T. Dillmann SG Formula 01:34.415 70
15 E. Mortara Signature-Plus 01:34.450 85
16 Y. Clairay SG Formula 01:34.454 75
17 M. Gotz RC Motorsport 01:34.694 76
18 B. Shaaban HBR Motorsport 01:34.750 50
19 J. Lancaster ART Grand Prix 01:35.023 89
20 D. Campos HBR Motorsport 01:35.036 59
21 M. Plowman RC Motorsport 01:35.233 52
22 C. Cong Fu RC Motorsport 01:35.287 73
23 J. Klingmann RC Motorsport 01:35.644 85

Good form by Prema, Bianchi also still impressive, could be a good battle between him, Waldschmidt and Mäki for the rookie title, based on the testresults so far.

[N.A-D.R]

I think Mika Maki will be a main factor this season. Hes very fast.

[META4]

-

[Sev]

One thing to remember is that Hulkenburg outscored both Grosjean and Buemi in the second half of last season. It was only his slow start that stopped him winning the championship last year...

Anyway, for my own, and your amusement, I averaged the past three tests times (not including today's, as it wasn't on the F3ES website yet), to get a very vague idea of what the running order is so far.

1 0.065 HÜLKENBERG,Nico
26 0.209 MÄKI,Mika
24 0.28 BIANCHI,Jules
28 0.324 TSUKAKOSHI,Koudai
3 0.457 VIETORIS,Christian
2 0.469 JAKES,James
20 0.475 WALDSCHMIDT,Henkie
19 0.492 DILLMANN,Tom
5 0.61 BIRD,Sam
21 0.623 PHILIPPE,Richard
14 0.646 KLEIN,Michael
30 0.739 VERNAY,Jean Karl
18 0.769 PLOWMAN,Martin
17 0.779 GÖTZ,Maximilian
29 0.824 OSHIMA,Kazuya
4 0.864 JANIS,Erik
9 0.876 ZANDE,Renger v.d.
25 1.044 LANCESTER,Jon
23 1.092 CLOS,Dani
33 1.171 KLINGMANN,Jens
8 1.207 MAILLEUX,Franck
22 1.208 GONZALEZ,Roberto
7 1.217 MORTARA,Edoardo
6 1.221 BREEN,Niall
31 1.31 COLETTI,Stefano
10 1.367 KIMBALL,Charlie
15 1.386 CAMPOS,Daniel
34 1.412 CLAIRAY,Yann
27 1.758 SHAABAN,Basil

[Alex K]

Perico, Marco Holzer is signed up by UPS Porsche Junior Team.

[Sev]

Out of interest, what (if any) is the link between SG Formula, Signature, and Signature Plus?

[Alex K]

Signature-Plus and Red Bull Team Signature is the same company.

[pericu]

Perico, Marco Holzer is signed up by UPS Porsche Junior Team.

Ok, thanks I don't know it.

No times for the second day at Magny?
In this test, Prema has been excellent, with all the cars in top10. I think this is a more real situation than Estoril, where they wasn't good. The principal problem for Dani Clos is to get a good time with new tyres (so, the qualy). But with old tyres he had a good form.
Sometimes, I speak with Dani, and yesterday he said me that he had pricked at afternoon and had lost a great time, so probably he could get a better time. Today, he has done a sham of career and he has finished 9º.