Armstrong looks for strong finish in FIA Formula 3 Championship

Marcus Armstrong heads confidently for the Russian ski resort town of Sochi this weekend for the final round of the FIA Formula 3 Championship.

The circuit is considered one of the toughest of the schedule: a challenging 5.8-kilometre street course flowing around the former Olympic complex, with a mix of fast corners and tighter sections.

The first turn can be taken flat out, which makes a quick getaway crucial and gives the pole-sitter an opportunity to build an early lead out in front. One of the track’s best overtaking spots follows: the tight, slow-speed second turn, where braking will be key to gaining and losing positions.

If drivers can negotiate a good exit to the fourth corner, then it can set them up for a potential overtaking move on the fifth.

Sochi will be new to almost all the 30-strong F3 grid, meaning an increased focus on preparation and focus is required of them. 

With his team-mates currently 1-2 in the championship, Armstrong can complete a ‘redwash’ of the top three placings in the F3 championship.

With two recent race wins, Armstrong has kept himself in touch with the championship leaders. His challenge now is to overtake Hitech’s Juri Vips, having clawed back the Estonian’s advantage to just three points.

The Prema trio have already handed their team a resounding victory in the teams’ title, winning that title with one round to spare.

Beyond the points battle, the chance to familiarise himself with a street circuit like Sochi is valuable, and the team will be noting set-up data across all three of its bright red single-seater race cars.
The 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship is live-streamed in New Zealand as part of the Spark Formula One coverage and live timing is at the championship website, www.fiaf3.com.

FIA F3 Championship final round session times

Sochi Autodrom, Russia 27-29 September 2019

Practice 1 Fri 27 Sep 2019, 17:20 NZST (GMT+12)

Qualifying Fri 27 Sep 2019, 22:00 NZST (GMT+12)

Race 1 Sat 28 Sep 2019, 19:15 NZST (GMT+12)

Race 2 Sun 29 Sep 2019, 19:55 NZST (GMT+13)