GP3 Series

The GP3 Series, or GP3 for short, was a single seater motor racing series launched in 2010 as a feeder series for the GP2 Series, introduced by GP2 organiser Bruno Michel.[2]

Not to be confused with Formula Three.
GP3 Series
CategorySingle seaters
CountryInternational
Inaugural season2010
Folded2018
Drivers28
Teams7
ConstructorsDallara
Engine suppliersMecachrome[1]
Tyre suppliersPirelli
Last Drivers' champion Anthoine Hubert
Last Teams' champion ART Grand Prix
Official websitegp3series.com

GP3 followed the entire European leg of the Formula One series and the GP2 (now Formula 2) series as a support race for the two. In 2012, the series visited the Monaco street circuit after 2 years of attempts, as they were always unable to beforehand due to lack of room. Like the GP2 series, GP3 gave drivers the experience of the Grand Prix environment, and took advantage of the infrastructure, such as marshals and medical facilities, in place for the Formula One events. GP3 Series mainly raced on European circuits, but had appearances on other international race tracks as well with their most recent races in the only 2015 season at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain and the Yas Marina Circuit in United Arab Emirates since 2010 season.

Many drivers had since stepped up to GP2 since the series began, with the 2010 champion Esteban Gutiérrez, Pål Varhaug and ninth-place finisher Stefano Coletti being the first to do so for the 2011 season. 2011 champion Valtteri Bottas did not follow suit however, and instead joined Williams F1 as a reserve driver. Meanwhile, James Calado, Rio Haryanto, Simon Trummer, Tom Dillmann and Nigel Melker all joined GP2 for the 2012 season. Other drivers who have graduated to other series are James Jakes who moved to the IndyCar Series for 2011, Josef Newgarden to the Indy Lights series in 2011 and Alexander Rossi and Robert Wickens who moved to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2011 and Lewis Williamson in 2012.

In the series' short history, nine drivers have gone on to compete, or are competing in Formula One currently after GP3. These include former champions Gutiérrez, Kvyat, Bottas and Ocon for Sauber, Red Bull Racing, Williams and Manor respectively, Jean-Éric Vergne for Toro Rosso and Carlos Sainz Jr. for Toro Rosso and McLaren.

In 2019, the series became the FIA Formula 3 Championship, after merging with the FIA Formula 3 European Championship.[3]

GP3 Series cars

The GP3 Series car is a standardised car used by all of the competing teams.

Dallara GP3/10
See also: Dallara GP3/10
A typical GP3/10 car driven by Tom Dillmann in 2011

For the 2010–2012 seasons, the GP3 series used the GP3/10 chassis.[4]

Chassis
The car had been designed and built by Dallara, who currently produces the GP2 chassis.
Engine
The GP3/10 used a race-tuned four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged 280 hp engine developed by Renault Sport (based on B20F engine), while turbochargers were supplied by Pankl Racing Systems. The wastegate was included due to turbocharger rules.
Gearbox
The GP3/10 used a 6 speed longitudinal sequential Hewland gearbox.
Tyres
Pirelli supplied the tyres for GP3 from 2010 to 2012, same supplier for the GP2 Series.
  • Engine displacement: 2.0 L (122 cu in) DOHC inline-4
  • Gearbox: 6-speed paddle shift gearbox (must have reverse)
  • Weight: 630 kg (1,389 lb)
  • Power output: 280 hp (209 kW)
  • Fuel: Elf LMS 102 RON unleaded
  • Fuel capacity: 65 litres (17 US gallons)
  • Fuel delivery: Direct fuel injection
  • Aspiration: Single-turbocharged
  • Turbo boost pressure: 0.5 bar (7.25 psi; 50.00 kPa; 375.03 Torr; 0.49 atm; 14.76 inHg)
  • Length: 4,471 mm (176 in)
  • Width: 1,885 mm (74 in)
  • Wheelbase: 2,780 mm (109 in)
  • Steering: Non-assisted rack and pinion

Dallara GP3/13
See also: Dallara GP3/13

For the 2013–2015 seasons, the GP3 series used the GP3/13 chassis.[5]

Chassis
The car was also designed and built by Dallara.
Engine
The GP3/13 used a naturally aspirated 3.4-litre V6 400 hp engine, developed by AER Ltd. with designation P57.
Gearbox
The GP3/13 used a 6 speed longitudinal sequential gearbox developed by Hewland.
Tyres
Pirelli continued to supply the tyres for GP3 from 2013 onwards.
  • Engine displacement: 3.4 L (207 cu in) DOHC V6
  • Gearbox: 6-speed paddle shift gearbox (must have reverse)
  • Weight: 1,389 lb (630 kg)
  • Power output: 400 hp (298 kW)
  • Fuel: Elf LMS 102 RON unleaded
  • Fuel capacity: 65 litres (17 US gallons)
  • Fuel delivery: Fuel injection
  • Aspiration: Naturally-aspirated
  • Length: 4,480 mm (176 in)
  • Width: 1,880 mm (74 in)
  • Wheelbase: 2,780 mm (109 in)
  • Steering: Non-assisted rack and pinion

Dallara GP3/16
See also: Dallara GP3/16

The series used another new chassis for the 2016 season, and continued to be used until 2018.[6]

Chassis
The car has also been designed and built by Dallara.
Engine
The GP3/16 uses a naturally aspirated 3.4-litre V6 400 hp engine, developed by Mecachrome with model V634, prepared and maintained by Teos Engineering.
Gearbox
The GP3/16 will again use a 6 speed longitudinal sequential gearbox developed by Hewland.
Tyres
Pirelli will continue to supply the tyres for GP3 from 2016 onwards.
  • Engine displacement: 3.4 L (207 cu in) DOHC V6
  • Gearbox: 6-speed paddle shift gearbox (must have reverse)
  • Weight: 1,457 lb (661 kg)
  • Power output: 400 hp (298 kW)
  • Fuel: Elf LMS 102 RON unleaded
  • Fuel capacity: 65 litres (17 US gallons)
  • Fuel delivery: Direct fuel injection
  • Aspiration: naturally aspirated
  • Length: 4,620 mm (182 in)
  • Width: 1,872 mm (74 in)
  • Wheelbase: 2,880 mm (113 in)
  • Steering: Non-assisted rack and pinion

Race weekend

A race weekend features one 45-minute practice session on Friday, and one 30-minute qualifying session on Saturday, followed by two races. The qualifying session is a straight fight for the fastest laptime, and determines the order of the grid for Saturday's Race 1.

Race 2 is on Sunday. The grid is decided by the Saturday result with top 8 being reversed, so the driver who finished 8th on Saturday will start from pole position and the winner will start from 8th place.

The distance of each race is decided prior to the event, however, should 30 minutes elapse before the designated number of laps are completed the lead driver will be shown the chequered flag.[7]

Points system

2010–2011
Points system for feature race
 1st   2nd   3rd   4th   5th   6th   7th   8th 
10 8 6 5 4 3 2 1
Points system for sprint race
 1st   2nd   3rd   4th   5th   6th 
6 5 4 3 2 1
  • Pole for Saturday races: 2 points
  • Fastest lap: 1 point in each race
  • Driver recording fastest lap has to drive 90% of race laps and must finish in the top ten of the race to be eligible for the fastest lap point.

With this points system, the most points anyone can score in one round is 20 by claiming pole position, winning both races with the fastest lap in each race.

No driver ever did manage to get maximum points with this system. The closest drivers who have done so are Esteban Gutiérrez at the 2010 British round, who managed pole position for the feature race, won the feature race and got the fastest lap, and then came third in the sprint race, which equals a total of 17 points. Valtteri Bottas at the 2011 Hungarian round achieved pole position and won the feature race, and then came second in the sprint race, also totaling 17 points.

2012 onwards
Points system For Race 1
 1st   2nd   3rd   4th   5th   6th   7th   8th   9th   10th   PL   FL 
25 18 15 12 10 8 6 4 2 1 4 2
Points system For Race 2
 1st   2nd   3rd   4th   5th   6th   7th   8th   FL 
15 12 10 8 6 4 2 1 2
  • Pole for Saturday races: 4 points
  • Fastest lap: 2 points in each race
  • Driver recording fastest lap has to drive 90% of race laps and must finish in the top ten of the race to be eligible for the fastest lap point.

With this points system, the most points anyone can score in one round is 48 by claiming pole position, winning both races with the fastest lap in each race.

So far throughout the new points system, no driver has achieved the maximum number of points in a single round. In the Hungarian round of 2012, António Félix da Costa became first driver to win both races of the weekend.

Teams and drivers

GP3 Series has ten European teams and thirty drivers representing the Series. Manor Racing, Atech CRS GP and Carlin represent Great Britain, whilst flying the French flag is GP2 Series 2009 Champions ART Grand Prix and Tech 1 Racing. MW Arden in association with ex-Formula One driver Mark Webber race under an Australian license. Spaniard Addax Team, German RSC Mücke Motorsport in association with Ralf Schumacher, Irish-Canadian Status Grand Prix, and Swiss team Jenzer Motorsport complete the lineup.

Champions

Drivers'
Season Driver Team Poles Wins Podiums Fastest laps Points % points achievable Clinched Margin
2010 Esteban Gutiérrez ART Grand Prix 3 5 9 7 88 55.000 Race 15 of 16 17
2011 Valtteri Bottas Lotus ART 1 4 7 3 62 38.750 Race 15 of 16 7
2012 Mitch Evans MW Arden 4 3 6 3 151.5 40.891 Race 16 of 16 2
2013 Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 2 3 5 4 168 43.750 Race 15 of 16 30
2014 Alex Lynn Carlin 2 3 8 3 207 47.917 Race 17 of 18 44
2015 Esteban Ocon ART Grand Prix 3 1 14 5 253 58.565 Race 18 of 18 8
2016 Charles Leclerc ART Grand Prix 4 3 8 4 202 46.759 Race 17 of 18 25
2017 George Russell ART Grand Prix 4 4 7 5 220 59.946 Race 13 of 16 79
2018 Anthoine Hubert ART Grand Prix 2 2 11 4 214 49.537 Race 17 of 18 16

Teams'
Season Team Poles Wins Podiums Fastest laps Points Clinched Margin
2010 ART Grand Prix 3 7 14 8 130 Race 14 of 16 44
2011 Lotus ART 2 6 14 4 124 Race 14 of 16 55
2012 Lotus GP 3 4 16 0 378.5 Race 15 of 16 69
2013 ART Grand Prix 2 4 14 4 378 Race 15 of 16 100
2014 Carlin 2 4 13 4 347 Race 18 of 18 17
2015 ART Grand Prix 4 6 6 11 477 Race 15 of 18 195
2016 ART Grand Prix 8 9 23 8 588 Race 13 of 18 291
2017 ART Grand Prix 8 7 23 11 578 Race 11 of 16 292
2018 ART Grand Prix 4 9 29 11 640 Race 15 of 18 207

Drivers graduated to GP2
Driver GP3 GP2 Other major titles
Seasons Races Wins Podiums Seasons First team Races Wins Podiums
Esteban Gutiérrez‡ 2010 16 5 9 2011–2012 Lotus ART 44 4 9
Pål Varhaug‡ 2010 16 1 1 2011, 2013 DAMS 22 0 0
Stefano Coletti†‡ 2010 14 0 2 2009, 2011–2014 Durango 88 7 15
James Jakes‡ 2010 12 0 3 2009–2011 Super Nova Racing 2 0 0
James Calado 2011 16 1 6 2012–2013 Lotus ART 46 4 14
Rio Haryanto 2010–2011 32 3 7 2012–2015 DAMS 90 3 7
Nigel Melker 2010–2011 32 1 5 2012 DAMS 23 0 0
Simon Trummer 2010–2011 30 0 0 2012–2014 Arden 68 0 1
Tom Dillmann 2011 14 0 1 2012–2014 iSport International 43 1 4
Adrian Quaife-Hobbs 2010–2011 31 1 3 2013–2014 MP Motorsport 40 1 4 Auto GP World Series
Mitch Evans 2011–2012 32 4 8 2013–2014 Arden 44 2 10
Daniel Abt 2012 16 2 7 2013–2014 ART Grand Prix 42 0 0
Kevin Ceccon† 2012 16 0 1 2011, 2013 Trident Racing 19 0 1
Alexander Rossi‡ 2010 16 2 5 2013–2015 Caterham Racing 52 4 11 2016 Indianapolis 500
Conor Daly 2011–2013 48 2 11 2013–2014 Hilmer Motorsport 20 0 0
Vittorio Ghirelli 2010–2011 28 0 0 2013 Venezuela GP Lazarus 10 0 0 Auto GP
Facu Regalia 2012–2013 20 1 2 2014 Hilmer Motorsport 8 0 0
Tio Ellinas 2012–2013 32 3 4 2014 MP Motorsport 8 0 0
Alex Lynn 2014 18 3 8 2015–2016 DAMS 40 4 8
Robert Vișoiu 2012–2014 40 2 3 2015 Rapax 18 0 0
Richie Stanaway 2011, 2014 22 3 6 2015 Status Grand Prix 18 2 2
Nick Yelloly 2011, 2013, 2014 50 1 9 2015 Hilmer Motorsport 12 0 0
Dean Stoneman 2013–2014 20 5 7 2015 Carlin 6 0 0
Jann Mardenborough 2014–2015 32 1 4 2015 Carlin 2 0 0
Patric Niederhauser 2012–2014 50 5 8 2015 Venezuela GP Lazarus 10 0 0
Zoël Amberg 2011 6 0 0 2015 Venezuela GP Lazarus 2 0 0
Luca Ghiotto 2014–2015 22 5 9 2016 Trident Racing 22 1 2
Emil Bernstorff 2014–2015 32 4 12 2016 Arden 2 0 0

Notes:

  • Drivers are listed by their last year in GP3 Series. Usually they started in GP2 at the start of the following season.
  • Gold background denotes GP3 champion.
  • † Coletti had three GP2 starts in 2009 for Durango; his first GP2 team since driving in GP3 2010 was Trident Racing. Ceccon also had 8 starts in GP2 with Scuderia Coloni; he joined Trident Racing for 2013 after a year of GP3 in 2012.
  • ‡ Denotes drivers who raced in the now defunct GP2 Asia Series.
  • Gutiérrez, Calado, Dillmann, Coletti, Haryanto, Melker, Trummer and Ceccon all participated in the 2 race 2011 GP2 Final.
  • Jakes raced in the 2008–2009, 2009–2010 and 2011 Asia Series along with two races in the 2010 Main GP2 series.
  • Also, António Félix da Costa and Alexander Rossi raced in the final (non-championship) round of the 2011 GP2 Series season at Yas Marina.

Drivers graduated to FIA Formula 2
Driver GP3 FIA Formula 2 Other major titles
Seasons Races Wins Podiums Seasons First team Races Wins Podiums
Charles Leclerc 2016 18 3 8 2017 Prema Racing 22 7 10 FIA Formula 2 Championship
George Russell 2017 15 4 7 2018 ART Grand Prix 24 7 11 FIA Formula 2 Championship
Nyck de Vries 2016 18 2 5 2017–2019 DAMS 70 8 23 FIA Formula 2 Championship
Alexander Albon 2016 18 4 7 2017–2018 ART Grand Prix 44 4 10
Antonio Fuoco 2015–2016 36 2 10 2017–2018 Prema Racing 46 3 11
Jack Aitken 2016–2017 33 2 13 2018–present ART Grand Prix 48 4 9 Formula Renault Eurocup
Nirei Fukuzumi 2016–2017 32 2 9 2018 Arden International 23 0 0
Arjun Maini 2016–2017 29 1 3 2018–2019 Trident 29 0 0
Anthoine Hubert 2017–2018 33 2 15 2019 Arden International 16 2 2
Nikita Mazepin 2018 18 4 8 2019–present ART Grand Prix 22 0 0
Callum Ilott 2018 18 2 7 2017, 2019–present Charouz Racing System 23 0 2
Giuliano Alesi 2016–2018 48 4 8 2019–present Trident 22 0 0
Ryan Tveter 2017–2018 33 0 5 2019 Trident 2 0 0
Dorian Boccolacci 2017–2018 25 2 4 2018–2019 MP Motorsport 20 0 0
Alessio Lorandi 2016–2018 27 1 5 2018 Trident 10 0 0
Juan Manuel Correa 2017–2018 25 0 0 2019 Charouz Racing System 16 0 2
Tatiana Calderón 2016–2018 51 0 0 2019 Arden 22 0 0
Niko Kari 2016–2018 31 1 2 2018 MP Motorsport 4 0 0
Christian Lundgaard 2018 2 0 0 2019–present Trident 2 0 0

Notes:

  • Gold background denotes GP3 champion.

Drivers graduated to Formula One
Driver GP3 F1 Other major titles
Seasons Races Wins Podiums Seasons First team Races Wins Podiums
Valtteri Bottas 2011 16 4 7 2013–present Williams 139 7 45
Esteban Gutiérrez 2010 16 5 9 2013–2014, 2016 Sauber 59 0 0
Rio Haryanto 2010–2011 32 3 7 2016 Manor 12 0 0
Daniil Kvyat 2013 16 3 5 2014–2017, 2019 Toro Rosso 93 0 3
Roberto Merhi 2010 12 0 3 2015 Manor 13 0 0 Formula 3 Euro Series
Esteban Ocon 2015 18 1 14 2016–2018 Manor 53 0 0
Alexander Rossi 2010 14 2 5 2015 Manor 5 0 0
Carlos Sainz Jr. 2013 16 0 2 2015–present Toro Rosso 105 0 1 Formula Renault 3.5 Series
Jean-Éric Vergne 2010 4 0 0 2012–2014 Toro Rosso 58 0 0 Formula E
Charles Leclerc 2016 18 3 8 2018–present Sauber 45 2 11 FIA Formula 2 Championship
George Russell 2017 15 4 7 2019–present Williams 24 0 0 FIA Formula 2 Championship
Alexander Albon 2016 18 4 7 2019–present Toro Rosso 24 0 0

Notes:

  • Gold background denotes GP3 champion.

Seasons

2010
Main article: 2010 GP3 Series

The 2010 GP3 Series was the inaugural season of the Series. The championship was contested over sixteen races held at eight rounds, beginning on May 8 at Circuit de Catalunya and ending on September 12 at Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The title was clinched by ART Grand Prix driver Esteban Gutiérrez at the final round by taking pole position, who won the championship 17 points clear of Robert Wickens in second, who was a further 18 points ahead of third place driver Nico Müller.

2011
Main article: 2011 GP3 Series

The season began at Istanbul Park on 7 May and concluded at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on 11 September after eight rounds made up of two races each and all in support of European Formula 1 Grands Prix. The title was claimed by Valtteri Bottas who was only 7 points ahead of his teammate James Calado in second, while Nigel Melker finished 17 points adrift in third. This was to be ART Grand Prix's second championship in as many seasons.

2012
Main article: 2012 GP3 Series

The season began on 12 May at Catalunya, Barcelona, and finished at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza on 9 September. It supported the entire European leg of the 2012 Formula One Season again and included the series' first visit to Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Going into the final round of the season, four drivers were in with a chance of winning the championship, but ultimately a move on the penultimate lap gave Mitch Evans the title with 151.5 points, only beating Daniel Abt by just two points on 149.5 while António Félix da Costa finished off the top three with 132 points. The teams title was also won during the last round by Lotus GP, their third title in as many seasons. The season was also the last for the first-generation chassis, the GP3/10.

2013
Main article: 2013 GP3 Series

The season began on 11 May at Catalunya, Barcelona, and finished at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi on 3 November. It followed most of the European leg of the 2013 Formula One season again other than Monte Carlo, Monaco and for the first time it hosted a non-European race at the last round in Abu Dhabi. It also saw the début of the series second-generation chassis, the Dallara GP3/13.

The title was clinched by Daniil Kvyat at the final round with 168 points, beating Facu Regalia by 30 points on 138 while Conor Daly finished off the top three with 126 points. The teams title was won by ART Grand Prix, their fourth title in as many seasons.

2014
Main article: 2014 GP3 Series

The season began on 10 May at Catalunya, Barcelona, and finished at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi on 23 November. It once again followed most of the European leg of the 2014 Formula One season other than Monte Carlo, Monaco and the only non-European race at the last round in Abu Dhabi.

The title was clinched by Alex Lynn at the final round with 207 points, beating Dean Stoneman by 44 points on 163 while Marvin Kirchhöfer finished off the top three with 161 points. For the first time, the teams title was won by Carlin, becoming the first and only team other than ART Grand Prix to take the teams title.

2015
Main article: 2015 GP3 Series

The season began on 9 May at Catalunya, Barcelona, and finished at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi on 29 November. It was contested over 18 races at nine rounds. There were nine teams with three cars each. Esteban Ocon won the title by 8 points despite winning only one race compared to second placed Luca Ghiotto winning five races. Ocon did however finish on the podium 14 times. The teams title was won by ART Grand Prix, their fifth title. This season was the last with the GP3/13 chassis.

2016
Main article: 2016 GP3 Series

The season began on 14 May at Catalunya, Barcelona, and finished at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi on 27 November. It was contested over 18 races at nine rounds. There were seven teams with three to four cars each, with DAMS making its debut. The title was clinched by Charles Leclerc at the final round with 202 points, beating Alexander Albon by 25 points on 177 while Antonio Fuoco finished off the top three with 157 points. The teams title was won by ART Grand Prix at Monza, their sixth title. This season was the first with the series' third-generation chassis, the GP3/16.

2017
Main article: 2017 GP3 Series

The season began on 13 May at Catalunya, Barcelona and finished at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi on 26 November. It was contested at 18 races at nine rounds. George Russell, Jack Aitken and Nirei Fukuzumi ended the season in the top 3 with ART Grand Prix. All drivers at the end of the season joined the 2018 FIA Formula 2 Championship. The second race at Italy was cancelled after heavy rain during the 2017 Italian Grand Prix. This season saw the series introduce the Drag Reduction System (DRS) used in Formula One and Formula 2.

2018
Main article: 2018 GP3 Series

The final season of the series started on 12 May in Barcelona, and finished on 26 November at Yas Marina. The season was again contested of 9 rounds and 18 races. The final driver's title went to Frenchman Anthoine Hubert who drove for ART, take 2 victories, 11 podiums, 2 pole positions, and 4 fastest laps, with 214 points. ART Grand Prix won the final constructor's title, winning all but one constructor's titles in the series. It was also the last season with the GP3/16 chassis. With 198 points scored, Nikita Mazepin became runner-up with 4 victories, 8 podiums, 1 pole position and most 5 fastest laps. After a disaster weekend for Hubert in Red Bull Ring, it was his teammate, who retook the lead, but only in this round. Finally, Callum Ilott down to third, behind second place, but ultimately get to the top three and scored 167 points with 2 victories, 7 podiums, 1 pole position, and 2 fastest laps.

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See also

References
  1. "GP3 unveils new car and engine package for 2016 at Monza". 3 September 2015.
  2. Elizalde, Pablo (3 October 2008). "GP2 organisers announce GP3 series". autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 3 October 2008.
  3. Simmons, Marcus (22 September 2017). "FIA confirms new single-make Formula 3 category for 2019". autosport.com. Autosport. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
  4. "The Car". GP3 Series Website. Retrieved 2010. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  5. "GP3 Series announce new generation car". GP3 Series Website. Archived from the original on 8 August 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  6. "GP3 unveils new car and engine package for 2016 at Monza". Autosport.com. Retrieved 3 September 2015.
  7. "The Rules and Regulations". GP3 Series Website. Retrieved 2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
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