FEBRUARY 21, 2002

Mercedes-Benz to build Formula 3 engine

MERCEDES-BENZ is to expand its efforts to support young drivers with plans to run a Formula 3 engine in Germany this season. The engine will be based on the C-Class 1.8-liter engine which will be stretched to 2-liters to meet the F3 regulations. It will be the Stuttgart firm's first attempt at Formula 3 and will put it into competition with Renault, Mugen Honda, Toyota and Opel.

For the time being there are no deals with teams but there should be a little more enthusiasm for the project once initial testing has been carried out.

The German Formula 3 series is now seen as the most competitive of the national championships but there is no doubt that if the engine proves its worth the company will expand supply to the other series as well.