What to watch for in France

The FIA Formula 3 campaign returns for Round 2 after over a months’ absence, but what should you be watching out for this weekend?

We’re back!

Finally, after more than a month away, the FIA Formula 3 returns to action at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France for Round 2 and it should prove to be another incredible weekend of racing.

Located in the stunning Côte d'Azur region of Southeastern France, the circuit is a favourite amongst motorsport fans and the perfect place to continue the F3 calendar.

Having dusted themselves down and got rid of any first round nerves in Barcelona, the teams and the drivers will be expected to show closer to their true potential in France, when they continue to adjust to their new machinery.

Who will be contenders?

Bringing us nicely onto the next point, this season’s title hopefuls will be determined to impress in the second round. Whether it’s race winners Robert Shwartzman and Jehan Daruvala, or someone from further down the grid, there will be plenty of drivers with their eyes on the podium.

With a busy period of racing coming up that includes Austria the following week, it is imperative at this early stage that the drivers do not let themselves fall behind the leading pack.

Shwartzman is the man to beat after the opening weekend, having won the championship’s first ever race. The Russian was also quickest in qualifying and should relish the long mistral straight.

Revenge for Lundgaard?

The ART Grand Prix driver famously lost first place in the Barcelona Feature Race, having incurred a penalty and been demoted to P2. Having shown that he can more than match eventual race winner Schwartzman, he will be keen to do so again – but this time keep hold of P1.

He is currently second in the standings with a 24-point haul and showed an impressive consistency during the first round, so it will be fascinating to watch his battle with Schwartzman and the other challengers play out.

Overtaking opportunities

There was overtaking aplenty in the first round of the FIA Formula 3 Championship and France will be no different. Le Castellet famously has two key overtaking spots: the first begins down the pit straight and goes into Turn 1 and 2, with plenty of room for both defence and attack. This can lead to some intense and enthralling battles right through the field.

The second main point is on the famous mistral straight, when drivers are able to hit top speeds ahead of Turn 7. Similarly to Turn 1 and 2, there is plenty of room to attack and defend with a left-hander, followed by a right-hander and then another straight. As well as these two, there will plenty more room for overtaking at Le Castellet.