The ATS Formula 3 Cup kicked off the second part of the season in the support programme of the ADAC GT Masters under slightly overcast skies mixed with sunshine. Markus Pommer claimed double pole in the qualifying session at the 3.629-km track. The driver from Neckarsulm, who contests for Team Lotus, continued exactly where he left off before the summer break. The 23-year old will start from the top in races 1 and 3, with his team-mate Indy Dontje alongside him on the grid. Briton Sam MacLeod from Van Amersfoort Racing clocked the third fastest time. Twelve drivers from ten countries are contesting the fifth of eight racing weekends.
Markus Pommer from Neckarsulm (Lotus / Dallara F311 Volkswagen) is well practised. Only two weeks ago, the 23-year old raced at the Nürburgring sprint track. His competitors also took part in events at international racetracks. However, Pommer seems to be invincible. He scored a phenomenal time in today’s qualifying session, 1:22.785, and will have clear visibility in races 1 and 3. Dutchman Indy Dontje (Lotus / Dallara F311 Volkswagen) clocked the second fastest time, followed by Briton Sam MacLeod (Van Amersfoort Racing / Dallara F311 Volkswagen), who will receive a five-place grid penalty in race 1 for breaching the rules.
Malaysian Weiron Tan (Van Amersfoort Racing / Dallara F311 Volkswagen) made an impression in the qualifying session, claiming the fifth fastest time. The same can be said for Nikolai Sylvest from Denmark (JBR Motorsport & Engineering / Dallara F311 Volkswagen) who scored the fastest time in the test session and the sixth fastest in the qualifying. Behind him follows the ATS Formula 3 Cup newcomer, Chinese Kang Ling (ADM Motorsport / Dallara F311 Volkswagen).
Get close to the drivers
The twelve drivers will contest their first race of the weekend this afternoon at 2.20. Afterwards, at 3 p.m., fans who travelled to the Nürburgring, will have a chance to get close to the drivers who finished in 1st, 3rd and 5th place and ask for an autograph at “Meet the Drivers” at the ADAC Hospitality.
The young talents will battle for important championship points again in races 2 and 3 on Sunday at 10.55 a.m. and 3.15 p.m. A live stream during the races will be available at www.formel3.de.
Markus Pommer: “I contested quite a few Auto GP races and therefore I am well practised. The car ran perfectly again. I would never have believed that I could clock a 1:22 time. I’m very happy.”
Indy Dontje: “I am pleased with my time. We lost pace in the free practice session but now we found the right set-up again. And I will push hard in the race.”
Sam MacLeod: “I spun in one lap which was quite unlucky. The third fastest time is a good result. Unfortunately, I have received a penalty for the first race. However, we can do something from there.”