It was one of the most exciting and closely fought seasons in FIA European Formula 3 history, with the depth in talent being possibly the deepest for many a year.
The series saw a number of highly impressive rookie drivers in 2014, with one of them, Esteban Ocon, clinching the title with three races to spare. We also saw the emergence of one Max Verstappen, who in his first year in car racing, took the most victories of anyone and heads now into Formula 1.
We also saw another of more established Formula 3 drivers raising their game, including Tom Blomqvist and Lucas Auer, who both were able to win multiple races during the season.
The Checkered Flag now looks back at the 2014 European Formula 3 Championship season, and rates our top ten drivers of the year.
10) Ed Jones
As the 2013 F3 Open Champion, Ed Jones was looking to arrive in the European F3 championship and show what he was made of, and two podium finishes at Hockenheim was a promising start from the Dubai-based Carlin driver.
Unfortunately his season unravelled in Pau. A couple of heavy crashes during the event saw him fracture vertebrae in his back, and although he was able to finish the weekend in France, he was forced to miss the next four events, and on his return was not able to match his early season performances.
He was still able to comfortably finish thirteenth in the points standings, despite missing twelve of the seasons’ races, and of at the tracks he did race at, only at Imola did he fail to score points in any of the three races.
Jones would benefit from another year in the series in 2014, and after the rest of the winter should come back fighting fit and if he still has the confidence and belief in himself, and should be a genuine contender for points and wins. He has also tested a GP3 Series car post-season, again with Carlin, so could be in with a chance to drive there too.