Start date 1993 | ||
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The 1993 Formula 3000 International Championship was the ninth season of Formula 3000 in Europe. Olivier Panis won the championship after nine rounds.
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Technical changes
1993 was the first International Formula 3000 season to feature only one make of chassis, although the rules were still open to multiple manufacturers. RALT had already ceased involvement in F3000 in 1992. After two poor seasons, Lola had no European customers after their two French teams, DAMS and Apomatox, switched to Reynards. Lolas would continue to have success in Japan, and would return to Europe in 1994.
In 1992, the manufacturers had agreed to a two-year cycle for chassis development for the first time, with the intention of reducing costs. Several teams, including the previous champions Crypton, kept their Reynard 92D cars. The new 93D featured a manual sequential gearbox, as opposed to the H-pattern found on the previous car, along with aerodynamic and suspension improvements.
Cosworth introduced a new low-crank engine, the AC, to compete with the Judd KV. Several teams retained the old DFV, which would score its last major victory at Pau. For the first time since 1988, there were no Mugen Honda engines in Europe.
Season summary
Olivier Beretta joined the crack Forti Corse team for 1993, and won the opening round at Donington Park. Reigning British Formula 3 Champion Gil de Ferran then won at Silverstone. The Pau Grand Prix was marked by the usual first-lap crash at the Lyceé hairpin, followed by another on the pit straight as several drivers were unable to see the red flags. Pedro Lamy won the restarted race, giving the DFV its last major victory.
Enna produced the usual crashes, as well as a fine battle for the lead between Lamy and eventual winner David Coulthard. Frenchman Olivier Panis then won both German rounds and at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
A rain shower caused havoc at Magny-Cours. Panis lost the lead due to a stuck wheel nut when he pitted for rain tires. His DAMS teammate Franck Lagorce picked up the win.
Going into the final round at Nogaro, Panis led Lamy by a single point. Coulthard also had an outside chance at the title, but he retired after only a few corners. Later on the opening lap, Panis was taken out by Vincenzo Sospiri, and had to be restrained from attacking the Italian in the pitlane. Shortly thereafter, though, Lamy came into the pits with damaged rear suspension. His team would repair it, but he lost several laps. With all three contenders eliminated in the opening laps, Panis celebrated from the pit wall as his teammate Lagorce won from the two Apomatox cars of Boullion and Collard.
Driver
For every race points were awarded: 9 points to the winner, 6 for runner-up, 4 for third place, 3 for fourth place, 2 for fifth place and 1 for sixth place. No additional points were awarded.
Complete Overview
R10=retired, but classified NC=not classified R=retired NS=did not start NQ=did not qualify DIS(6)=disqualified after finishing in sixth place