NOVEMBER 20, 2003

Formula 3 men regroup in Korea

The Macau Grand Prix used to be the last major event of the motor racing world but in recent years the International Formula 3 Korea Super Prix at Changwon has taken over that role, with most of the F3 teams going on from Macau to Korea to compete on the 1.8-mile street circuit in Changwon City.

The Macau Grand Prix used to be the last major event of the motor racing world but in recent years the International Formula 3 Korea Super Prix at Changwon has taken over that role, with most of the F3 teams going on from Macau to Korea to compete on the 1.8-mile street circuit in Changwon City.

Since its inception in 1999, the event has done much to increase the profile of motorsport in South Korea, to such an extent that there is now a plan for a Formula 1 race in the country in 2009.

The race this year will provide Japanese F3 Champion James Courtney with the chance to make up for his disappointment at Macau and he will be out to beat Macau winner Nicolas Lapierre. Also expected to be strong are Lapierre's team mates Fabio Carbone and Cesar Campanico while Japanese F3 frontrunner Paulo Montin will also be trying to make an impression with his Three Bond Racing Dallara-Nissan.

The race will also add to the international experience of youngsters Nelson Piquet Junior, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. In addition there will be three Korean drivers in the field.