In 1999-2002 Art-Line Engineering competed in the Formula 3 (an international class with 2-liter engines). The team took third place in the very first season, with experienced Italian racer Fabio Babini paving the way to the podium. In 2001 Maurizio Mediani became the first Art-Line Engineering pilot to win the Champion of Russia title. Team members have included Enrico Toccacelo (Italy), Victor Kozankov and Alexander Nesterov.
The pilots contributed much to the achievements of Art-Line Engineering. However, the team’s engineers deserve equal credit. The distinguishing characteristics of Art-Line Engineering include continuous work on perfecting racing technology with an eye to specific conditions in Russia, developing new components, and thoroughly analyzing performance results from races and tests. Ferdinando Ravarotto, a well-known Italian expert, was on the team for three years. Working with leading European pilots and engineers was excellent experience for the team members.
1999 Season Results: Team members received __ pole positions and one gold medal over 7 stages. The team got second place and Fabio Babini earned a silver medal.
2000 Season Results: Team pilots won 5 pole positions, 4 first places, 3 second places and the vice championship of Russia over 9 stages. Overall, the team received a bronze medal.
2001 Season Results: First places in 8 qualifications and 6 races. The first place for the championship was only lost on paper: Lukoil Racing was able to take the title, claiming that Art-Line Engineering’s racing license paperwork was filed incorrectly.
2002 Season Results: 2002 was a critical year. The Formula 3 was preparing to yield to the less expensive Formula 1600. Art-Line Engineering participated in 4 of the 6 stages, winning 3 first places and 1 second place.
