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Brazilian Racing News: Leo Nienkotter on 1999 Sudam F3

10 March 1999

Brazilian driver Leonardo Nienkotter is very confident for the 1999
Sudam F3 Season.

"This will be my third year in F-3, and we are racing with Prop Car
for the second consecutive season, so we expect to set the pace from the
beginning of the season," said the driver from Santa Catarina.

"Jaime Mello will be one of my toughest rivals, but he will be with a new
team. I think he may have some problems now, at the beginning; I have to 
open a good advantage, because I know that if I have very good results in 
1999, F-1 Junior in 2000 will be guaranteeded by Petrobrás. I know all
the tracks, and I am really looking forward to the start of the season."

F-3 will be run in 10 weekends with 2 races on each weekend. The
calendar hasn't been published yet, although a double round in Rio on
May 14th and 15th is certain.  Rio is an oval track where the drivers 
will have the opportunity to show themselves to a big audience.

"Two races in the same weekend is very delicate. If you are on a great
weekend, where all is going right, you will win two races and it will be
just like a dream. But, if you are on a bad weekend, two races will cost
you important points for the Final Standings," said Nienkotter.

Marc Zimmerman -- The Auto Channel