The international starting grid of the ATS Formula 3 Cup kicked off their sixth of eight racing weekends with today’s qualifying session. The current championship leader could take the crucial step on his way to an early championship title at Lausitzring this weekend. Markus Pommer from Neckarsulm, who contests for Team Lotus, handled the 3.240-km track best and will therefore be the pole-sitter in races one and three. Malaysan Nabil Jeffri from Team Motopark clocked the second fastest time. He is also second in the overall ranking. Dane Nicolai Sylvest, who contests for JBR Motorsport & Engineering, will start tomorrow’s race from third.
Initially, today’s qualifying session reflected the current ranking. Markus Pommer from Neckarsulm (Lotus / Dallara F311 Volkswagen) was the fastest, scoring a lap time of 1:17.994 minutes. He left Malaysian Nabil Jeffri (Motopark / Dallara F311 Volkswagen) and Dutchman Indy Dontje (Lotus / Dallara F311 Volkswagen) behind in second and third place respectively. Nevertheless, both still have a chance to clinch the title. Dontje was not able to finish the race. Consequently he had to give his place in the starting grid to Nicolai Sylvest (JBR Motorsport & Engineering / Dallara F311 Volkswagen). At the previous racing weekend at Nürburgring, the Dane had claimed his first victory. Dontje dropped to sixth, ahead of Briton Sam MacLeod (Van Amersfoort Racing / Dallara F311 Volkswagen) and behind Weiron Tan from Malaysia (Van Amersfoort Racing / Dallara F311 Volkswagen), who put in a fantastic performance in the free practice session by clocking the second fastest time.
Live experience
The eleven drivers from nine countries will battle for crucial points in two races tomorrow. The first race will take place at 11.50 a.m., the second at 3.50 p.m. The lights for the third race will go out at 4.40 p.m. on Sunday. There will be live streams and live timing available for all races. All drivers contesting the ATS Formula 3 Cup will also take part in an autograph session on the ‘ARD Show Stage’ on Sunday at 9.30 a.m.
Markus Pommer: “It was quite challenging. The track was extremely slippery, because it had rained a lot during the day and the track had not dried completely, especially at the curbs. In the end I tried to drive a clean race. But I could probably have done better.”
Nabil Jeffri: “The free practice session did not work very well for me. However, we solved those problems, and I am really happy about the second place. Tomorrow, I want to close the gap to Markus, which already worked well today, and extend the gap to Indy.”
Nicolai Sylvest: “This was the best qualifying for me this year. That’s pretty exciting. We had a few problems but solved them quickly. In addition, I have gained a lot of experience this season. It’s getting better every time. Tomorrow, I want to score another podium finish.”