Can GP3 compete with F3?
Since the announcement that Lance Stroll would be a 2017 F1 driver for Williams, there has been some discussion as to whether both the FIA European Formula 3 and GP3 series can compete sustainably. Stroll, an F3 graduate, will be the second driver in 3 years to move straight from F3 to F1 after Max Verstappen. There was also the news that Jake Hughes, a GP3 race winner for DAMS in 2016 will move to Hitech GP in Formula 3 for the 2017 season. Then there is Antonio Giovinazzi, who skipped GP3 altogether, graduating from F3 to GP2, and ended up finishing 2nd in the championship only to Pierre Gasly, a driver with more than 2 years of experience in the category. So this begs the question, why would a young driver waste time in GP3 when they can focus on a successful F3 campaign or move up to the much faster and more competitive GP2 series?
Firstly, GP3 offers the advantage of being part of the F1 circus, visiting 10 circuits along with the series young drivers aspire to reach. This means that all eyes are on the driver, teams and sponsors are watching and they gain valuable track time on the same circuits that F1 uses. Secondly, the car is closer in performance and characteristics to an F1 car, offering a 400hp naturally aspirated 3.4L engine capable of pulling the car at speeds of up to 165mph. Compare that with the 240hp naturally aspirated 2L engine in the F3 car capable of speeds no higher than 150mph and it’s clear to see why the GP3 series is an attracive stepping stone for drivers. GP3 also utilises DRS, from 2017 and Pirelli tyre more similar to those used in F1 than the Hankook tyres found on the Dallara F312 car.
GP3 also has a proven track record of launching F1 drivers careers. Series winners such as Esteban Gutierrez, Daniil Kvyat, Valterri Bottas and Esteban Ocon have all graduated to the top series, with several other drivers having involvement with large teams. Drivers like Charles Leclerc and Alex Lynn have participated in test session and have been signed as test/reserve drivers for the likes of Ferrari and Williams respecively. It is important to mention drivers who, unlike Giovinazzi, moved from Formula 3 to GP2 unsuccessfully. Jordan King won the 2013 British Formula 3 Championship before finishing 7th in F3 the following year. Since then, 2 full GP2 campaigns have yielded only 7th in the standings. Raffaele Marciello is arguably another example. The Italian won the Formula 3 series in 2013 before moving up to GP2 in 2014. He has since finished 8th, 7th and 4th in his 3 seasons. Despite his consistency he never managed to make an impact and looks set to move away from single seaters altogether in 2017.
It’s clear then that there is room for GP3 and F3, as despite similar running costs, driver numbers and an insignificant step up in performance for the reward, GP3 does offer many advantages to Formula 3 and can provide a vital stepping stone in the career of a junior driver between F3 and GP2 or even F3 and F1.
Originally published at jdaykin.me on 22.12.16
