Nikola Tsolov from the ART Grand Prix team of BGR has been disqualified from participating in the round of the FIA Formula 3 Championship after violating the FIA Sporting Regulations. Tsolov is the second driver this weekend to face this consequence, joining Martinius Stenshorne in infringing article 10.4 of the 2024 F3 sporting regulations. This specific article prohibits drivers from engaging in any activity with a single-seater car that has a power-to-weight ratio lower than 2.0 kg/hp. Additionally, article 10.4 also states that participation in an independent event requires explicit written approval from the FIA and the Promoter. Stenshorne failed to inform the necessary parties about his participation in the British GB3 series at Silverstone, resulting in his disqualification from the upcoming FIA F3 races at the Northamptonshire circuit. Similarly, Tsolov competed in the opening round of the Eurocup-3 season at Spa without obtaining the necessary authorization. Despite claiming ignorance of the regulations, Tsolov’s participation was organized by his management team. As a result, he is banned from competing in his ART Grand Prix machine during the FIA F3 race in Belgium later this year. Arvin Lindblad, a rookie from the Prema Racing team, also received a €20,000 fine, with €10,000 of the penalty suspended due to his participation in a test at Silverstone for GB3. Lindblad’s management team organized the test session without informing his team, leading to a lack of communication. The stewards deemed this an administrative error, and the suspended part of the fine will only be activated if a similar violation occurs in the future. Currently, Lindblad is in fifth place in the FIA F3 standings with 23 points, while Tsolov is in 16th place with seven points.
