F3: Sims to use F3 Cup to qualify for Macau

BMW factory GT driver Alexander Sims will return to single-seater competition in the F3 Cup Championship in order to qualify for the Macau F3 Grand Prix.

Sims is scheduled to enter the final round of the F3 Cup, a triple-header event at Snetterton on Oct. 8-9, with Double R Racing, having raced with the team at Macau last year. After finishing third in 2015, the Spa 24 Hours winner is eyeing a seventh F3 appearance at Macau this November, when he is tipped to join Dan Ticktum in Double R's line-up.

Sims was on the verge of a last-minute deal to take part in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship finale at Donington Park last weekend with Double R, but that fell through, leaving the F3 Cup as his next option.

Macau rules mandate a driver must have raced in a recognized F3 class during the calendar year to be eligible for the race.

"The plan is to do F3 Cup and have some fun, and in doing so make myself eligible for Macau," Sims said. "I like going back to single-seaters every now and then as it's a different challenge and Macau is just such a special race.

"I've gotten better every year, and was fourth twice and then third overall last year, so I can at least claim a podium finish there on my CV.

"I'd love to get the win there as it's one of the top prizes in world motorsport. But the level of competition is very tough."

Originally on Autosport.com