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Russell hopes Macau GP stays open to veterans

European Formula 3 frontrunner George Russell hopes the Macau Grand Prix remains open to experienced drivers, after Nelson Piquet Jr was barred from joining the series at Pau.

Start action: Felix Rosenqvist, Prema Powerteam Dallara Mercedes-Benz leads

Start action: Felix Rosenqvist, Prema Powerteam Dallara Mercedes-Benz leads

XPB Images

Charles Leclerc, Van Amersfoort Racing Dallara Volkswagen
Nelson Piquet Jr., NEXTEV TCR
Nelson Piquet Jr., Carlin Dallara F312 – Volkswagen
Podium: George Russell, HitechGP Dallara F312 – Mercedes-Benz
George Russell, HitechGP Dallara F312 – Mercedes-Benz
Yu Kanamaru, Carlin Dallara Volkswagen
Podium: George Russell, HitechGP Dallara F312 – Mercedes-Benz
Charles Leclerc, Van Amersfoort Racing Dallara Volkswagen

The former F1 driver originally planned to fill the Carlin seat vacated by Raoul Hyman at Pau, only to be vetoed by the FIA Single-Seater Commission on the grounds of his experience.

It has been suggested that the ruling could also apply to the blue-riband end-of-season event in Macau, which has seen a number of older drivers return to F3 on a one-off basis in recent years.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Hitech GP driver Russell said that he hoped this would not be the case, as racing against experienced drivers was part of the event's appeal.

Asked how he would feel if drivers like Piquet were stopped from racing at Macau, he said: "I'd be quite disappointed.

"They should allow drivers like Nelson to come in and go up against the younger guys, like [Mercedes DTM driver] Dani Juncadella did last year.

"It’s almost what Macau’s all about, and I would love more top names to come to Macau this year and race against the guys who’ve done F3 all season.

"It also gives F3 a bit more publicity and interest, and if the young guys end up beating them, it’s even better for their careers – so it gives you a little extra motivation to go out there and do well.”

Pau decision understandable

Russell added that he understood the FIA's decision to prevent Piquet racing at Pau, even if he personally would have relished the chance to measure himself up against the Brazilian.

"I can see it from both sides," said Russell. "I do think it’s wrong that a driver with no intention of contesting the championship could be allowed to impact the result of the championship.

"There’s always the risk they could get involved in an incident, which costs another driver a lot of money.

"On the other hand, I would have loved to have raced against him, and to see how he would have got on against us F3 guys.

"It would have been a good benchmark, and he definitely had more to lose than he had to gain."

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