Japanese F3 sensation Takuma Sato will face a tough task going into the final Formula 3 race of his career in Korea this month, with the German, Japanese and French F3 champions all looking for victory in this popular season-closer, the 2001 International Formula 3 Korea Super Prix.

Sato, who recently signed a two-year deal with the Jordan Formula 1 squad, will be the first ever F1-contracted driver to compete on Changwon¡¯s street circuit. Having risen to the highest echelon of motor racing, he made the unusual decision to press ahead with plans to race in the Far East and has made no secret of his desire to notch up a final F3 career victory.

This year, the 24-year-old dominated the British Championship, winning 12 of the 26 races. However, the line-up for the Korean event is one of the most talented the event has seen since it began in 1999.

Fellow Japanese drivers, Toshihiro Kaneishi and Ryo Fukuda, German and French F3 Champions respectively, will be keen to make their mark against Sato, as will Japanese F3 Champion, Frenchman Benoit Treluyer.

In addition, Sato¡¯s own team mate, Anthony Davidson of Britain, will pose a very real threat. Davidson was runner up in the British Championship this year, and has carried out test work for the F1 BAR outfit. After a slow start to the season, only his second full year racing single-seaters, Davidson¡¯s performance has steadily gathered momentum following an impressive win at the Pau street circuit this summer.

Ulsterman Derek Hayes returns to Korea with something to prove, having failed to start the race last year following a 100mph accident during qualifying. Although unhurt, the team was unable to re-build the car in time for him to race. Consistent performances this year have seen Hayes finish third in the British Championship, and he will be looking forward to making an impression in Changwon.

Last year¡¯s runner up, Taigo Monteiro of Portugal, returns for another crack at the title. Monteiro finished second in the French series this year.

Italy¡¯s Paulo Montin also returns to Korea, teaming up with newcomer Sakon Yamamoto in the two-car Tom¡¯s team.

For the first time ever, the Korean entry includes a driver from the fledgling Australian F3 series. New Zealander Daynom Templeman is currently running second in the championship and has been named Rookie of the Year. This will be the first time the 24-year-old has come up against the cream of the European and Japanese F3 pilots.

Flying the flag for Korea will be Seoul-born Yoon Sae Jin. Yoon, who has notched up a string of championships in the touring car, GT and single-seater national series, will be making his second appearance in the F3 Super Prix.

The International Formula 3 Korea Super Prix has become a firm fixture as the curtain-closer on the international F3 series, and has been the scene of some spectacular racing on the 3.014km Changwon circuit. The inaugural year saw a stunning showdown between F1¡¯s Jenson Button and Darren Manning, with Manning finally taking victors laurels by just over one second. Last year, spectators were witness to Indian sensation Narain Karthikeyan¡¯s convincing win for Carlin Motorsport.

The 2001 International Formula 3 Korea Super Prix will be held from November 23 to 25. The race be run over two legs of 25 laps each on Sunday. Further information can be found at www.f3korea.net

November 7, 2001