European Formula 3 Championship drops Moscow round for Algarve

The Russian event proved unpopular last year, and was skipped by three teams, who all cited the cost of travelling to the venue.

The current political situation regarding Russia has added to the unease about supporting the late-August DTM races this year, and teams began lobbying for an alternative at the Valencia test in March.

Series organisers have lined up an alternative one week later, with F3 supporting the Blancpain Sprint Series at the Algarve track on September 4-6.

They will also get a two-day official test at the Portimao-based venue on September 1-2.

A series statement said: "Due to the huge logistical efforts and the accordingly high travel expenses, teams had asked for the [Moscow Raceway] event to be reconsidered. Together, the series promoter and the FIA have searched for an alternative.

"Another reason in favour of the event in Portimao was the possibility to stage the official mid-season test there."

Although the Algarve circuit is new for Euro F3, the series' five UK teams - Carlin, Fortec, Double R, T-Sport and West-Tec - competed there in a British F3 round (pictured below) in 2009.

Guesting Euro Series star Jules Bianchi won the two races, while Daniel Ricciardo clinched the championship title.

REVISED EUROPEAN F3 CALENDAR

April 10-12: Silverstone
May 1-3: Hockenheim
May 15-17: Pau
May 29-31: Monza
June 19-21: Spa-Francorchamps
June 26-28: Norisring
July 10-12: Zandvoort
July 31-Aug 2: Red Bull Ring
Sept 4-6: Algarve
Sept 25-27: Nurburgring
Oct 16-18: Hockenheim