15.10.2024
The Euroformula Open heads to the final round of the 2024 season. It’s the majestic Autodromo Nazionale di Monza hosting the three last races of the year in what will be a weekend of pure racing and enjoyment, as the fight for the tile is over. Brad Benavides (Motopark) has only one thing to do: to celebrate in public his achievement duly.
Monza will also mark the end of a cycle for a series that has once again confirmed its significant role in the promotion of young talents, with a high number of EFO drivers bound to feed in 2025 as well the grids of FIA F3, FIA F2 and Formula 1. At the highest ladder of the pyramid, Carlos Sainz, Yuki Tsunoda, Mick Doohan, and Liam Lawson have been confirmed as race drivers, with Felipe Drugovich and Jak Crawford in reserve driver roles. Not to speak of other EFO alumni shining in other top series, from triple champion Álex Palou, Colin Herta, and Linus Lundqvist in IndyCar or Zak Maloney about to debut in Formula E.
The Euroformula will open a new chapter in 2025, with the introduction of a new car, the Dallara 324, the evolution of the 320, which will continue to be eligible with the specific update kit, a car that is considered the best in its class, and the adoption of the TOM's TGE33 engine. With the new package, the Euroformula Open aims at being an option even more attractive from a sporting and budget point of view in the competitive market of single-seater series.
A ‘NEW’ MONZA TO DECIDE THE FIGHT FOR THIRD
The Euroformula Open will come to the ‘Temple of Speed’, which is expected to be even faster following the resurfacing of the 5.793-km layout and the modifications made to the kerbs in many key points (Prima Variante, Lesmo, Ascari…), which allow faster action.
As said, Brad Benavides can approach the weekend in a relaxed mode and enjoy the cheers of the tifosi, as he has the title in his pocket. The American driver with Hispanic roots has forged an incredibly successful season, scoring in all 21 races so far, winning in all tracks for a total of 8 successes and conquering 3 poles. On top, he has gained the esteem of everyone in the paddock with his fair play and nice manners.
On home soil, his main rival and runner-up, Francesco Simonazzi, also a very popular although more exuberant character, will want to finish on a high. The Italian of BVM Racing has netted six wins and two poles so far.
The fight is still open for the third step on the podium. At the moment it is Fernando Barrichello sitting in that position. Having already ensured the Rookies’ Trophy, the young Brazilian has had an impressive progression, up to a fantastic maiden win in the rain in Austria. At Monza, he will have for once the opportunity to cheer for his dad, as Rubens will be racing in the GT Open 500 and revive the emotions of his three GP wins here.
The other candidate for third place is Jakob Bergmeister, who is 12 net points behind the Brazilian. After missing the last two rounds the young German is back for the closing for this final duel with his teammate at Motopark and aiming at a second race win.
The German team, as always, fields a very interesting line-up. Vladislav Ryabov, who stunned everybody at Barcelona with a sensational win despite a period of forced inactivity of almost two years, will try to rock the boat again, while Mexico’s José Garfias, fresh from very positive F.3 tests, will want to conclude his 3-round EFO experience with a win.
There will be an interesting new entry as well, as Yevan David will make his EFO debut. The young Sri Lankan joins from Spanish F4 and enjoys the support of an entire nation new to motorsports.
Competition is expected also in the Gold Cup, as Czechia’s Roman Roubíček (STKMelnik) is expected to make his EFO debut initially planned for Austria, and will join and fight against the class hero, Paolo Brajnik (NV Racing).