Berger backs down from rival F3 series plan

Berger told Motorsport.com in July that, if the FIA moved F3 towards the Formula 1 package with a new generation of single-make cars, he could relaunch the Euro Series with the existing machinery.

At present, the FIA F3 European Championship is run by a subsidiary of the ITR, which promotes the DTM, and six of the Euro F3 rounds run in support of the DTM.

But the new F3 International Championship looks almost certain to support F1 when it begins in 2019, as replacement for the GP3 Series.

At last weekend’s Red Bull Ring DTM event, Berger told Motorsport.com: “I think we are concentrating on different issues [the DTM’s future in the wake of Mercedes’ post-2018 withdrawal], and I don’t think it’s the place for everybody to stay around in the F3 business.

“I have my view, I put my view, and it was working well, but they [the teams] changed direction. I’m sure the platform of F1 is great for them, so I don’t think we will put too much effort into it [reviving the Euro Series].

“I said if the teams all want it, under this [current] regulation, I am happy because you can collect what is here. But now it will be a different regulation and the teams were anyway not convinced.

“No problem – I would have done it, I would have focused on it, but for me it’s fine. Other things are more important.”

Berger effectively ruled out the ITR pushing for the tender to promote the new International F3.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “If it’s running close to F1, it’s in better hands with Bruno [Michel, the F2 and GP3 promoter].”