European exodus for Japanese F3 test

FORMULA 3

The influx of Europeans to Japan’s flagship Super Formula and Super GT series is already starting to filter one step down the ladder – to Japanese Formula 3.

The Japanese organisers have decided to stick with the older-spec F3 machinery for 2019. And after evaluating but rejecting the FIA’S new Regional F3 category, they are one of the group of promoters who have asked constructor Dallara to investigate building a new F3-style car for ’20, after the homologation of the existing model runs out at the end of ’19.

A two-day test at Suzuka just before Christmas featured F3 European Championship race winner Sacha Fenestraz, and former F3 star and latter-day GP3 Series racer Callum Ilott.

Fenestraz was out with B-max Racing, which has formed a liaison with top Euro F3 squad Motopark. With the Frenchman dropped from the Renault F1 Junior programme, Japanese F3 now looks like a very realistic option for next season. “Sacha’s in a great place right now – he’s got some really nice options and Japan is one of them,” said Fraser Sheader of ADD Management, which looks after Fenestraz.

“It would be with a multi-year intention. Initially it would be doing F3, and having Super Formula and Super GT very much at the front of our minds for the future.”

Ilott was out with YTB, the Okayama circuit-based team. F3 racer Yoshiaki Katayama – whose father owns the Okayama track – partnered Ilott in the Carlin line-up at last November’s Macau Grand Prix. YTB, which is managed by ex-formula Nippon/ Super GT champion Richard Lyons, then bought the Carlin Dallaras raced in Macau by Ilott (above) and Jehan Daruvala, and Carlin provided assistance at the Suzuka test.

“We’re happy,” said Carlin boss Trevor Carlin. “The guys enjoyed it and perhaps we can do some more next year with them.” That would be without Ilott, who appears certain to race in Formula 2 with Charouz Racing System.

James Pull, the 2017 BRDC British F3 runner-up, also drove with YTB, while EX-BMW Junior Ricky Collard took part in the test with Threebond Racing.

Lucas Auer and Harrison Newey, who are expected to race in Super Formula with the B-max with Motopark squad, drove with B-max to learn the Suzuka track.

Toyota protege Ritomo Miyata, runner-up in the 2018 standings, topped the test for TOM’S from Fenestraz. Ilott, who drove in just one of the three dry sessions, set the overall third quickest time.