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1993 International Formula 3000 season


The 1993 Formula 3000 International Championship was the ninth season of Formula 3000 in Europe. Olivier Panis won the championship after nine rounds.

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.

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.


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