PIOUET DENIED F3 RACE RETURN
Nelson Piquet Jr was unable to make a Formula 3 return at Pau last weekend after his application to race was rejected by the FIA.
The current Formula E champion and former F1 driver planned to make a return with Carlin at the French track for the latest rounds of the European series, but the FIA single-seater commission declared it was “against the spirit of the championship”.
Under championship regulations, the commission has to power to block drivers from competing and a new rule was introduced this year banning competitors who have raced in the category for more than three years taking part – highlighting the FIA’S move against experienced racers continuing in F3.
“We cannot deny that we were pleased that a driver with the talent and the achievements of Nelson Piquet Jr has expressed a desire to race in a round of the FIA F3 European Championship at a prestigious circuit such as Pau,” said commission president Stefano Domenicali.
“However, we must keep in mind the spirit of the championship – as one of the primary steps on the ladder to F1.”
Team boss Trevor Carlin said he was unimpressed by the FIA’S decision.
“Having been directly involved in running Formula 3 teams for 30 years, I am aware of the importance F3 has in developing young drivers,” he said.
“Nelson’s participation in the series this weekend would have been a great stimulus for the drivers around him and shone a positive light on the series and drivers. In no way was it meant to discredit the championship or its ethos.”
However, the 2004 British F3 champion could make a racing return in Britain. A Twitter exchange between Piquet and Walter Hayes Trophy organiser James Beckett may pave the way for the Brazilian to contest the FF1600 event later this year.