Drexler-Automotive Formula Cup

The circuit at Spa Francorchamps enjoys cult status among drivers and fans. At the 5th round of the Drexler Formula Cup, former active members of the Formula 3 scene and insiders from the Formula 3 industry also dropped by. Coordinator Franz Wöss was able to welcome Dallara Project Manager Jos Claes to Spa, who took a look at the Drexler Formula Cup in the paddock. Dallara has been considered the market leader in Formula 3 for years when it comes to the design and construction of chassis. Jos Claes is considered to be the father of the F312 racing car, which was developed a few years ago and gave Formula 3 a completely new look at the front, which was based on Formula 1 and presented new elements of safety. With Manfred Hahn, Franz Wöss was able to welcome a connoisseur of Formula 3 in Spa. Hahn had been at home in the German Formula 3 organization for many years. He also played a major role in the creation of the Formula 3 Euroseries, which later led to the Formula 3 European Championship. Otto Rensing will probably be remembered by many fans. Born in Düsseldorf, he competed in the historic touring cars at Spa and also took part in the Drexler Formula Cup. He belongs to the golden era of Formula 3 in Germany, where Michael Schumacher, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Karl Wendlinger, Ellen Lohr, Frank Biela and Peter Zakowski left their footprints at the end of the 1980s. Otto Rensing became a BMW works driver with Team Schnitzer before his Formula 3 career and won the 24-hour race at the Nürburging. Afterwards, he got the opportunity for test drives in the Benetton-BMW Formula 1. "It was surprising and yet very nice for me to once again chat with people from past times in Formula 3," said Franz Wöss.

RS.19.07.2023
Press Drexler Formula Cup

Drexler-Automotive Formula Cup - Spa Francorchamps (BEL)

It was only a question of time when Juju Noda (Noda Racing) could celebrate her first big success in the Drexler Formula Cup. The fact that the Japanese driver succeeded in Spa under the eyes of her father, ex-F1 driver Hideki Noda, is all the more pleasing. Over the entire weekend Noda convinced in the Ardennes with her pace and took pole position in qualifying with a time of 2:15.343 min ahead of returnee Cian Carey (Franz Wöss Racing) and Bernardo Pellegrini (HP Powertrain). Early Friday morning, she had even shone with an even faster lap time (2:14.634 min) in free practice. In the first run, Noda took the lead and was able to build up an advantage. Benjamin Berta (Franz Wöss Racing) managed to push Cian Carey back to third, while Bernardo Pellegrini dropped back to 6th position. Juju Noda made no mistakes during the 10-lap race. She finished 4.045 seconds ahead of second-placed Benjamin Berta, who held off Cian Carey for third place by 2 seconds. Sandro Zeller (Jo Zeller Racing) missed the podium, as did Francesco Galli (G Motorsport). Both were out of reach with a gap of more than 10 seconds and had no chance to intervene.

Read more: Juju Noda celebrates first double victory

Drexler-Automotive Formula Cup - Spa Francorchamps (BEL)

For its 5th race weekend, the Drexler Formula Cup will be coming to Spa Francorchamps from 07-09 July 2023. 2021 was the last time the Ardennes hosted the event. "It has already become a good tradition that we race at the Spa Summer Classic. The Formula 1 circuit has its own peculiar appeal in the world in many respects. For this race, the popularity is particularly high. Of course, we are looking forward to top-class duels on the Ardennes roller coaster," says coordinator Franz Wöss. The 7.004-kilometer Formula 1 circuit has always been considered a special draw. 40 Formula cars with drivers from 13 nations are expected. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is one of the greatest challenges for racing drivers from all over the world. It rightly bears its nickname "Ardennes roller coaster," as evidenced by the spectacular "Raidillon/Eau Rouge" steep section and the downhill passage with the notorious "Blanchimont" curve.

Read more: High tension before the start of the second half of the season