dillmann 2312

Winning team to contest ATS Formula 3 Cup again

Several teams contesting the ATS Formula 3 Cup have spent time in the south of Europe again in the past few weeks. With one season finished the next is just around the corner, and that is why teams and potential drivers have met in Spain or Portugal for tests and an analysis of the season. The new engine concept is just as attractive for newcomers as for teams that used to successfully compete for points in the ATS Formula 3 Cup years ago. Just one example: HS Engineering from Austria. They achieved success between 2005 and 2009 with Harald Schlegelmilch at the wheel and Tom Dillmann even won the championship for the team in 2010. Now they are working on a comeback.

The German Formula 3 has just heralded a new era. After two years of using the single-brand Volkswagen Power Engine with the push-to-pass system, the fastest German single-seater series now allows all current standard Formula 3 power units for the 2014 season. This marks the next big step into the future for the Formula 3 Association as the foundation of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. ”I think it is the right decision to change the engine rules. In my opinion the previous concept did not have much in common with the philosophy of Formula 3,” knows Michael Hascic, the HS Engineering Team Principal. “We have had much success in the past, so I am happy that we can rejoin the championship.” Like many other teams, HS Enigneering is currently looking for drivers. Harald Schlegelmilch contested the German Formula 3 at the wheel of a HS Technik Motorsport (now HS Engineering) single-seater car from 2005 to 2009. Now the Latvian supports the team. “The new engine rules are the reason why we are coming back to the series. We are working hard to get back on the grid with two cars for the coming season,” says Team Manager Schlegelmilch. “HS Enigneering was very successful in the past and also won the championship with Tom Dillmann in 2010. So we are really happy to be back.” The Formula 3 Association is looking forward to welcoming back familiar faces in addition to the current teams. “Having HS Engineering contest the ATS Formula 3 Cup is a very positive signal. I am very pleased,” says Bertram Schäfer, Chairman of the Formula 3 Association. “I am pretty sure that more teams will follow, wanting to offer a professional programme for young talents on their way to an international Formula 3 career.” Talks are already under way.