Bruno Michel's Column: Plenty to play for in both Championships ahead of F3's 100th race in Barcelona

We are four rounds into the 2024 Formula 3 season and just a few days away from the first triple header of the year getting underway in Barcelona.There have been plenty of storylines to keeping us entertained so far and before the lights go out on Round 5, our CEO Bruno Michel is here to give us his verdict on the Championship battles, the rookies and the 100th F3 race.A PIVOTAL MOMENTAlmost half of the season has gone by, and it has seen eight different drivers win the first eight races. That’s something that’s never happened before. It shows just how competitive and challenging this year is, and how crucial the next three rounds will be for all our title hopefuls. There will be no room for mistakes and not much time to analyse data from one round to the next.Thankfully, the teams and the drivers have had time to get ready for the challenge, including three days of in-season testing at Barcelona a couple of months ago, which will prove vital as the triple-header will open at the same track.Up until now, no driver has gained momentum, really, with the top of the Standings shared by three of them since the start of the season: first Luke Browning, then Leonardo Fornaroli, and now Gabriele Minì, who is also the latest racer to have claimed a win this season. The top 3 is covered off by eight points only, so they all remain incredibly close, with Dino Beganovic right behind in fourth.More than ever, Qualifying will be key, and the smallest of mistakes can prove extremely vital at this point in time. There is a lot of pressure on everyone’s shoulders going into the next three rounds.Gabriele Minì currently leads the Drivers' ChampionshipTHE ROOKIE THREATThe top 4 is made of returning drivers, who were all expected to fight at the front this season, but that is not to say that the rookies have not had their fair share of success during the first half of the season. For instance, Arvid Lindblad took the first win of 2024 at Sakhir. The youngest driver on the grid currently lies fifth in the Standings, and I would not be surprised to see him fighting back at the front very soon and upset the current top 4.The same can be said about Tim Tramnitz, who has claimed three podium finishes so far. Unlike Lindblad who can benefit from his teammates’ F3 experience, Tramnitz is part of an all-rookie line-up at MP Motorsport. Will this make the difference between him and Lindblad ultimately? As it stands, the two are separated by one point only in the Standings.Another rookie to keep an eye on as we embark on a triple-header is Sami Meguetounif, who claimed a Feature Race win in Imola. The Frenchman has scored just three times this season so far, so although a race winner, he will have to prove that he can fight for points more consistently in order to challenge those with more experience.CATCH ME IF YOU CANIt’s business as usual at the top of the Teams’ Standings with PREMA Racing leading the rest of the pack comfortably, on 174 points. However, in such a close Driver Championship this season, there seems to be room for PREMA’s rivals to challenge the reigning Champions for the lead by the end of the triple-header. Some drivers have not showed their full potential yet, whilst others need to find consistency.Tramnitz has three podium finishes so far this year for MP MotorsportROAD TO 100The Barcelona Feature Race will mark our Championship’s 100th race. I still remember our very first race, which took place on the very same track. Having 30 cars battling out on track, on an F1 Grand Prix weekend, was a great accomplishment. The racing was already quite exceptional, and the drama at the end, with Christian Lundgaard crossing the line first, but getting a 5-second time penalty, thus handing the win to Robert Shwartzman. Since then, we have crowned five champions who all graduated to F2. Four drivers have made it to Formula 1. Everyone involved in the FIA Formula 3 Championship can be proud of what’s been achieved.