ATS Formula 3 Cup

Positive retrospect

Dutch young gun Carlo van Dam dominated the 2007 ATS Formula 3 Cup season and secured the title early. He contested the season for the team of his compatriot Frits van Amersfoort and celebrated nine race wins. With these successes, the OPC-Challenge engine that was specially designed by Spiess for the ATS Formula 3 Cup also demonstrated its extraordinary qualities: a long life-span, good value for money and high competitiveness represent the outstanding attributes of this Formula 3 power unit. This engine helped Carlo van Dam on the way to securing the biggest success in his career to date and attracting attention beyond the ATS Formula 3 Cup. The result: he was offered the chance of contesting the 2008 Japanese Formula 3 Championship as works driver for Team Toms.

You moved to the city where your team is based. How do you like your new life in Japan.
Thanks to the support of my team, Tom's, I quickly accustomed myself to everything. So far, I'm enjoying my life here in Japan a lot - on and off track. Japan is a truly beautiful country and the people are very friendly and cooperative.

You have been very successful, to date!
Yes, things have gone really well for me, so far. I've made it to the podium in every race and in the most recent round, at Suzuka, I secured my first win in Japan.

How do you assess your ATS Formula 3 Cup involvement with hindsight?
The decision to contest the 2007 ATS Formula 3 Cup season definitely turned out to have been the right one. The championship represents a great platform, particularly for young drivers who are making their debut, there. An ideal basis for professionally preparing for the next career steps.

Has the ATS Formula 3 Cup involvement been helpful for your career?
Thanks to the competitive season I enjoyed last year I was offered several great opportunities that will help me making progress on the motor-racing ladder. Without my wins and the really good PR work in the ATS Formula 3 Cup I arguably wouldn't have been signed for the Japanese Formula 3 Championship, this year.

Once again, a Spiess power unit has helped a hopeful young driver making a major step forward. We wish him all the best for his future!

More ATS Formula 3 Cup Messages [2008]

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