2011 Superleague Formula season

Fourth and final season of the Superleague Formula championship

2011 Superleague Formula season

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The 2011 Superleague Formula season was the fourth and final season Superleague Formula championship. The series reverted to being known simply as "Superleague Formula", with 2009's two-year sponsorship deal with Sonangol also having expired.[1] The first race of the season was held on 5 June at Assen and was due to finish at a venue in New Zealand after 8 race weekends.

After three seasons in which the cars were run in club team colours, the 2011 season saw drivers competing in the colours of their nation,[2] with countries adorning team names as had been set out by Team China in 2010, thus beginning a severing of the strong links the series had attempted to make by linking each team entry with a football club. As many as eight of the announced fourteen entries no longer had links with football teams.

The season ended after just two of the scheduled rounds after a number of complications, which saw tracks not being ready in time for the series,[3] and disagreements with race organisers.[4]

## Teams and drivers

[edit]

* All teams competed on Michelin tyres for the fourth season in a row.[5]

Entrant  | Race team  | No. | Race driver(s)  | Rounds

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Belgium – R.S.C. Anderlecht[6] |  Azerti Motorsport | 1  |  Neel Jani[7] | All
Netherlands – PSV Eindhoven[8] | 2  |  Yelmer Buurman[9] | All
France – Girondins de Bordeaux[10] | 3  |  Tristan Gommendy[11] | All
Czech Republic – AC Sparta Prague[12] |  Atech Reid Grand Prix[13][14] | 4  |  Filip Salaquarda[15] | All
Luxembourg[2] | 5  |  Frédéric Vervisch[2] | All
New Zealand[12] | 6  |  Earl Bamber[11] | 1
Chris van der Drift[16] | 2
Japan[11] | 7  |  Duncan Tappy[11] | 1
Robert Doornbos[9][17] | 2
Netherlands[9] | 8  | 1
Russia[18] | 17  |  Mikhail Aleshin[18] | 2
Spain – Atlético de Madrid[11] |  EmiliodeVillota Motorsport[11] | 9  |  María de Villota[11] | 1
Andy Soucek[11][19] | 2
Turkey – Galatasaray S.K.[11] | 10  | 1
Duncan Tappy[19] | 2
China[12] | 11  |  Ho-Pin Tung[11] | 1
South Korea[12] | 19  |  Max Wissel[20] | 2
Brazil[11] |  Alan Docking Racing[21] | 14  |  Antônio Pizzonia[22] | All
Australia[2] | 24  |  John Martin[21] | All
England[2] | 31  |  Craig Dolby[21] | All

### Driver changes

[edit]

Entering/Re-Entering Superleague Formula

* After racing the 2010 season in Stock Car Brasil, Antônio Pizzonia returns to Superleague Formula with the Brazil entrant.
* Formula Renault 3.5 Series driver Filip Salaquarda will join new Superleague Formula club, AC Sparta Prague, supported by Atech Reid Grand Prix.

Leaving Superleague Formula

* Adderly Fong and Hywel Lloyd will both move back to British Formula 3 in 2011 with Sino Vision Racing,[23] as will Bruno Méndez, racing for Hitech Racing.[24]
* Having contested the final race of the 2010 season with PSV Eindhoven, Esteban Guerrieri will move into Firestone Indy Lights with Sam Schmidt Motorsports.[25]
* Máximo Cortés, Julien Jousse and James Walker will race in the Le Mans Series in 2011, having raced in Superleague Formula on different occasions in 2010.[26][27]
* Narain Karthikeyan, who raced for PSV Eindhoven during much of 2010, will return to Formula One with Hispania Racing following a five-year absence from the series.[28]
* Celso Míguez will race in the Spanish GT Championship in 2011 with Aurora Racing Team having competed in Superleague Formula at two events during 2010.[29]
* Last year's Superleague Formula champion Davide Rigon will make the step up to the GP2 Series in 2011 with team Scuderia Coloni.[30]

#### Mid-season changes

[edit]

* Chris van der Drift switched to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series for the start of 2011 but returned to Superleague Formula for round two in Zolder.[31] Max Wissel rejoined the series with new entrant South Korea, and Mikhail Aleshin joined the other new entrant, Russia, racing in Superleague Formula for the first time.[32] Robert Doornbos took over from Duncan Tappy in the championship-leading Japan car,[17] with Tappy moving to the Galatasaray car to replace Andy Soucek, who in turn replaces María de Villota at Atlético de Madrid.

## 2011 Schedule

[edit]

* Superleague Formula announced its full 2011 calendar on May 2, which saw the championship embark on a "Nations Cup", with races on four different continents this season in 8 rounds. For the first time, races were scheduled to be held in Russia, Brazil (two races), the Middle East and New Zealand.[33] The Russian round, due to be held at the newly built Smolensk Ring, was later cancelled.[34] The Middle East round was later replaced by a round in South Korea and a second round in China was added to replace the Russian round.[citation needed] The two rounds in Brazil were cancelled after apparent issues with the track in Goiânia.[3] The series finale in New Zealand was later cancelled. The "Nations Cup" branding also had to be abandoned due to issues with naming rights which the series was still looking to resolve.[35]
* With the announcement of the calendar, it was confirmed that each round was known as a 'Grand Prix'.[33]
* The SF World Feed commentators at Zolder were Andrew Coley and Earl Bamber.

### Race calendar and results

[edit]

Round  | Grand Prix  | Date  | Pole Position  | Fastest Lap  | Winning Club  | Winning Team  | Weekend Winner  | Report

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1  | R1  |  GP Assen – Holland | 4–5 June  |  France – GDB |  France – GDB |  Netherlands – PSV |  Azerti Motorsport |  England | Report
R2  |  |  Czech Republic – SPR |  Japan |  Atech Reid Grand Prix
2  | R1  |  GP Zolder – Belgium | 16–17 July  |  England |  New Zealand |  England |  Alan Docking Racing |  Luxembourg | Report
R2  |  |  Australia |  Australia |  Alan Docking Racing

### Cancelled races

[edit]

Grand Prix  | Date

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GP Italy[36] | 16–17 April
GP Portugal[36] | 7–8 May
GP Germany[36] | 18–19 June
GP Spain[36] | 2–3 July
GP Britain[36] | 6–7 August
GP Russia[34] | 3–4 September
GP Goiânia – Brazil[3] | 8–9 October
TBC[3] | 15–16 October
GP Beijing – China[4] | 29–30 October
GP Shanghai – China[4] | 5–6 November
GP Seoul – South Korea[4] | 12–13 November
TBC[37] | 10–11 December

### Test calendar and results

[edit]

* There was a two-day pre-season test session at Spain's Circuito Monteblanco on 9–10 December 2010.[38]
* The Circuito de Navarra in Spain was due to host a two-day test on 30–31 August 2011.[39] However, the scheduled event was cancelled, without an explanatory announcement.[40]

## Championship standings

[edit]

| Pos  | Entrant  | Drivers  | ASS
| ZOL
| Pts

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R1  | R2  | S  | R1  | R2  | S
1  |  Australia |  John Martin | 6  | 2  | 4  | 7  | 1 | 2  | 158
2  |  Japan |  Duncan Tappy | 7  | 1  | 6 |  |  |  | 136
Robert Doornbos |  |  |  | 5  | 7  | 6
3  |  Luxembourg |  Frédéric Vervisch | 3  | 13  | DN  | 3  | 4  | 1 | 134
4  |  Netherlands – PSV Eindhoven |  Yelmer Buurman | 1  | 10  | 3  | 6  | 6  | 7  | 130
5  |  Belgium – RSC Anderlecht |  Neel Jani | 4  | 9  | 7  | 2  | 9  | 3  | 125
6  |  England |  Craig Dolby | 2  | 8  | 1  | 1 | 13  | X  | 124
7  |  New Zealand |  Earl Bamber | 9  | 5  | X  |  |  |  | 113
Chris van der Drift |  |  |  | 4 | 8  | 5
8  |  Brazil |  Antônio Pizzonia | 8  | 3  | 2 | 9  | 12  | X  | 102
9  |  Czech Republic – AC Sparta Praha |  Filip Salaquarda | 5  | 6 | 5  | 12  | 10  | X  | 95
10  |  Turkey – Galatasaray SK |  Andy Soucek | 13  | 7  | X  |  |  |  | 88
Duncan Tappy |  |  |  | 10  | 5  | X
11  |  South Korea |  Max Wissel |  |  |  | 8  | 2  | 4  | 71
12  |  Russia |  Mikhail Aleshin |  |  |  | 11  | 3  | 8  | 56
13  |  France – Girondins de Bordeaux |  Tristan Gommendy | 14 | 4 | X  | 14  | 11 | X  | 52
14  |  China |  Ho-Pin Tung | 10  | 11  | X  |  |  |  | 34
15  |  Spain – Atlético de Madrid |  María de Villota | 12  | 12  | X  |  |  |  | 28
Andy Soucek |  |  |  | 13  | 14  | X
16  |  Netherlands |  Robert Doornbos | 11  | DN  | X  |  |  |  | 16
Pos  | Entrant  | Drivers  | R1  | R2  | S  | R1  | R2  | S  | Pts
ASS
| ZOL

| Colour  | Result

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Gold  | Winner
Silver  | 2nd place
Bronze  | 3rd place
Green  | Finished
Purple  | Did not finish
Red  | Did not qualify (X)
Black  | Disqualified (DQ)
White  | Did not start (DN)
Race cancelled (C)
Blank  | Excluded (EX)
Withdrew (WD)
Bold | Pole position
Italics | Fastest lap

NOTE – R2 starts
with reverse grid
S = Super Final

Race 1 and 2 points
Position | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th | 17th | 18th | 19th | 20th | 21st | 22nd | DNF | DNS

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Points | 50 | 45 | 40 | 36 | 32 | 29 | 26 | 23 | 20 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0

Super Final points
Position | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | DNQ | DNS

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Points | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0

* New for 2011 was the alteration that the top 8 points-scorers from the weekend would compete in the Super Final, in contrast to 2010 where only the top 6 would qualify.[2]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Sonangol becomes Superleague Formula title sponsor for 2009 and 2010 seasons". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 24 June 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-06-27. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
2. ^ a b c d e f "Superleague Formula gets underway in Assen". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 1 June 2011. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014.
3. ^ a b c d "Ongoing track changes force cancelation of Superleague Formula Series' Brazil dates". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 14 September 2011. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014.
4. ^ a b c d "Superleague Formula Series pulls out of Chinese rounds". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 13 October 2011. Archived from the original on 11 January 2015.
5. ^ "Michelin extends exclusive deal". autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. 24 March 2009. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
6. ^ "Superleague Formula ook in 2011 naar Zolder". autosport.be. MDS Consult BVBA. 10 November 2010. Retrieved 1 December 2010.[permanent dead link]
7. ^ O'Leary, Jamie (28 May 2011). "Jani gets Anderlecht drive". autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
8. ^ Blatter, Erwin (19 June 2009). "PSV verlengt verbintenis met Superleague Formula". ED (in Dutch). Wegener NieuwsMedia. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
9. ^ a b c "Buurman returns for Superleague Formula action". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 26 May 2011. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014.
10. ^ "Interview Wim Coekelbergs (Azerti Team – Superleague Formula)". autosport.be. MDS Consult BVBA. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Superleague Formula announces full line-up". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 2 June 2011. Archived from the original on 27 June 2012.
12. ^ a b c d IJzerman, Matthé (26 May 2011). "Superleague ondergaat een gedaantewisseling" [Superleague undergoes a metamorphosis]. Autosport NL. Fast Company. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
13. ^ Evans, Rhodri (16 November 2010). "WAG supports motorsport team's relocation". Wales Online. Media Wales Ltd. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
14. ^ "Atech GP and Atech Reid combine forces". Motorsport.com. GMM. 3 December 2010. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
15. ^ "Salaquarda joins Superleague Formula for 2011". GPUpdate.net. GPUpdate. 4 February 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
16. ^ "Chris van der Drift returns to Superleague Formula". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 17 June 2011. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014.
17. ^ a b "Doornbos gets the Japan seat in Zolder". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 14 July 2011. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014.
18. ^ a b "Михаил Алешин дебютирует в серии Superleague Formula" [Mikhail Aleshin will debut in a series of Superleague Formula]. OpenRacing.ru. OpenRacing. BW Communication. 30 June 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
19. ^ a b "Jani puts Belgium car top on home soil". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 15 July 2011. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014.
20. ^ "Max Wissel returns to Superleague Formula". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 27 June 2011. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014.
21. ^ a b c "Superleague Formula unveils first four drivers for 2011". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014.
22. ^ "Pizzonia vai defender o Corinthians na Superleague Formula" [Pizzonia will defend the Corinthians in Superleague Formula]. Terra Networks. Telefónica. 26 May 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
23. ^ Anderson, Ben (4 February 2011). "Fong returns to British F3". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 4 February 2011.
24. ^ "It's an Italian job for British Formula 3…". British Formula 3 Championship. Stéphane Ratel Organisation. 8 April 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2011.[permanent dead link]
25. ^ Sepulveda, Jose Luis (13 December 2010). "Esteban Guerrieri correrá en la Indy Lights y una fecha de la IndyCar en 2011". Racing5 (in Spanish). WordPress. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 14 December 2010.
26. ^ "Julien Jousse chez Pescarolo Team". AUTOhebdo (in French). Groupe Hommell. 9 February 2011. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
27. ^ Duffy, David (14 March 2011). "Walker to race new Ferrari". The Oxford Times. Newsquest. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
28. ^ Noble, Jonathan (6 January 2011). "Karthikeyan signs race deal with HRT". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 6 January 2011.
29. ^ "Celso Míguez firma con Aurora Racing Team". Sport Life Press (in Spanish). SLPmedia. 28 March 2011. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2011.
30. ^ "Rigon and Scuderia Coloni together in the GP2 Series". GP2 Series. GP2 Motorsport Limited. 30 April 2011. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016.
31. ^ Mills, Peter (8 April 2011). "Mofaz signs van der Drift for FR3.5". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 8 April 2011.
32. ^ "Superleague Formula set for Grand Prix of Belgium". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula.
33. ^ a b "Superleague Formula announces 2011". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 2 May 2011.
34. ^ a b "Smolensk Ring put Superleague Formula race date back to 2012". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 22 June 2011.
35. ^ Wilkinson, Andy (20 October 2013). "Superleague Formula seeking FIA clarification on 'Nations Cup'". motorstv.com. Motors TV. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013.
36. ^ a b c d e "2011 Superleague Formula Races". Superleague Formula. December 2010. Archived from the original on 24 December 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
37. ^ "Big motor racing formula for NZ in 2012". Scoop. Scoop Media. 29 July 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2011. "High-powered international race cars from the Superleague Formula are set for New Zealand, although their debut has been delayed a year."
38. ^ "Salaquarda and Oakes to Test With Atech Reid GP". atechreidgp.com. Atech Reid GP. 8 December 2010. Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
39. ^ "Superleague Formula set for mid season test at Navarra". superleagueformula.com. Superleague Formula. 17 August 2011.
40. ^ Rubino, Jacopo (29 August 2011). "Cancellate le due giornate di prove a Navarra" [Delete the two days of testing in Navarra]. StopandGo.TV (in Italian). Stop&Go. Retrieved 31 August 2011.

## External links

[edit]

* Superleague Formula Official Website[usurped]
* V12 Racing: Independent Superleague Formula Fansite Magazine
* Superleague Formula at thenewsmarket.com

* v
* t
* e

Superleague Formula seasons

* 2008
* 2009
* 2010
* 2011

* v
* t
* e

Teams and drivers competing in the 2011 Superleague Formula season

| Azerti Motorsport| Atech Reid Grand Prix

|

* 1 Neel Jani (R.S.C. Anderlecht)

* 2 Yelmer Buurman (PSV Eindhoven)

* 3 Tristan Gommendy (Girondins de Bordeaux)

* 4 Filip Salaquarda (AC Sparta Prague)

* 5 Frédéric Vervisch (Luxembourg)

* 6 Earl Bamber / Chris van der Drift (New Zealand)

* 7 Duncan Tappy / Robert Doornbos (Japan)

* 8 Robert Doornbos (Netherlands)

* 17 Mikhail Aleshin (Russia)

| EmiliodeVillota Motorsport| Alan Docking Racing

|

* 9 María de Villota / Andy Soucek (Atlético de Madrid)

* 10 Andy Soucek / Duncan Tappy (Galatasaray S.K.)

* 11 Ho-Pin Tung (China)

* 19 Max Wissel (South Korea)

* 14 Antônio Pizzonia (Brazil)

* 24 John Martin (Australia)

* 31 Craig Dolby (England)

* v
* t
* e

Superleague Formula rounds

* Belgium
* Brazil
* China
* France
* Germany
* Italy
* Netherlands
* New Zealand
* Portugal
* South Korea
* Spain
* UK

2008|

* Donington Park
* Nürburgring
* Zolder
* Estoril
* Vallelunga
* Jerez

2009|

* Magny-Cours
* Zolder
* Donington Park
* Estoril
* Monza
* Jarama

2010|

* Silverstone
* Assen
* Magny-Cours
* Jarama
* Nürburgring
* Zolder
* Brands Hatch
* Adria
* Portimão
* Ordos
* Beijing
* Navarra

2011|

* Assen
* Zolder ( Cancelled: Beijing
* Curitiba
* Goiânia
* Seoul
* Shanghai
* Smolensk
* TBC - New Zealand)

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