This year’s new Formula European Masters series has announced a range of huge reward incentives for its best-placed young drivers. The prize incentives underline the ethos of Formula European Masters, the new-for-2019 single-seater series that aims to promote young drivers, and which appears as a support race on this year’s DTM calendar. At the conclusion of the 2019 series, the top three drivers will each be awarded a coveted DTM ‘Young Driver Test’, which will take place at the end of the year. One driver will also receive an additional reward: a one-race guest drive in the 2020 DTM series. Additionally, the series’ champion will also be invited to a one-day Super Formula test.
Young Driver Test The ‘Young Driver Tests’ have been an inherent part of the DTM calendar for many years, and are usually held during the off-season. They offer manufacturers the opportunity to evaluate and assess new talent. It has yet to be determined which DTM manufacturer will host the test for the series’ champion.
Japanese Super Formula For the Masters winner, a test day in Japan’s highly competitive Super Formula Series is an unparalleled opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of the world’s best single-seater racers.
The Japanese series has become an increasingly important stepping stone for young talent, providing a springboard to Formula 1 for drivers such as Frenchman Pierre Gasly and Belgium’s Stoffel Vandoorne.
Similarly, the DTM has been used as a means to reach F1 by drivers like 2015 DTM champion Pascal Wehrlein (GER), Esteban Ocon (FRA) and 2010 title-winner Paul Di Resta (GBR).
« DTM and Super Formula are both proven means to graduate to Formula 1, » said Walter Mertes, CEO of ‘Formel 3 Vermarktungs GmbH’, which organises the Masters. « And the Formula European Masters opens the doors to both series. That’s really great for our young drivers. With good performances in the end-of-season tests, they can attract the attention of DTM manufacturers and teams for the following season. And the one who proves to be the best overall will be rewarded with a DTM guest appearance. »
Numerous talents that delivered at Formula 3 level also proved to be fast in DTM right away: two-time DTM Champion Marco Wittmann (GER), Pascal Wehrlein, Lucas Auer (AUT), Edoardo Mortara (ITA) and Joel Eriksson (SWE) are merely the latest examples.
Nine teams already pre-registered for new single-seater series
The Formula European Masters will be contested by the cars used in last year’s Formula 3 European Championship. With three races taking place at each DTM meeting, the series’ drivers will be given ample track-time for developing their skills.
Also of major significance is the fact that the winner of the series will be awarded 25 Superlicense points. The Superlicense is issued by the FIA, the World Motor Sport Association, and is an essential requirement for competing in Formula 1.
Interest in the Masters is already considerable: to date, nine teams from six European countries have registered a total of 20 cars in advance. The entry list comprises Van Amersfoort Racing (NED), the squad for whom F1 ace Max Verstappen (NED) raced while learning his trade in F3; top British teams Fortec and Double R Racing; PAVE Motorsport from Italy; Jo Zeller Racing from Switzerland, and renowned German teams Mücke Motorsport and Motopark.
Mertes added: « We are really happy about the response. The ‘Young Driver Tests’, DTM guest appearance and day’s Super Formula test should help increase interest even more. »
Press release Formula European Masters
]]>
