F3 in search of the new star

Mounted on Dallara chassis, the single-seaters will only be differentiated by their engine, Mercedes or Volkswagen. They will be differentiated above all by the talent of the drivers, because some do not lack it. Starting with Roberto Merhi, who left Formula Renault WEC and the FR 2.0, and which has already begun, during free practice at Hockenheim, to display all its velocity. The Spaniard, at only 18 years old, should be one of the attractions of the season, as he impresses with his ease. It should also be noted that he has already occasionally engaged in F3 in 2008, in the Spanish championship, at the Masters in Zolder or at the Macau GP.

Among the favorites for the title, we must place Brendon Hartley, the test pilot Red Bull en F1, and who can prove that he has the stature for the next level. He will oppose the rookie Valtteri Bottas, at ART Grand Prix, the recent champion of Formula Renault 2.0 and who will be keen to succeed in his first season in F3. He will have a strong teammate in the reigning champion French team, in the person of Jules Bianchi. The Frenchman, among the candidates for the crown, even has the opportunity to try the FR 3.5 in Monaco. There is no doubt that Bianchi will have the opportunity to regularly reach the podium. Especially since ART GP has shown its know-how for many years by collecting titles, like last year with Niko Hulkenberg.

Among the outsiders, Mika Mäki (Signature) will want to confirm the hopes placed in him last year. The same as the German Christian Vietoris (Mücke Motorsport), who is starting his second season. The 2006 Formula BMW champion won a victory last year and was expected to assert himself further this season. Still among the outsiders, the Mexican Esteban Guttierez, winner of Formula BMW last year, could benefit from his "almost" status. rookie to stand out from the crowd. In fact Guttierez has already tried his hand at F3 during the last round of the 2008 ATS Cup, the national championship. First elements of answers this weekend with the first two races at Hockenheim.