It’s not common to see an F3000 car competing within the narrow confines of a Swiss hillclimb. Consider that only fifteen years ago, F3000 was one of the best-respected “feeder” series in the world. Champions in this category went on to bigger and better things, like Indycar and Formula One. Lots of aero grip and a highly-strung V8 are threatening enough on a wide circuit, but navigating these narrow backroads is a crazy in such a beast, especially when the rear wing is wider than the rear track.

Nearly 500 horsepower and less than 1,500 pounds give this F3000 one of the best power-to-weight ratios seen at hillclimb events.

Eric Berguerand seems to be a risk taker, however, and shows little reserve when thrashing his thoroughbred up the mountain. Weighing a paltry 1,455 pounds and shod with massive slicks, the cornering potential of his FA 99 likely outdoes any of the other entrants that day. This is obvious with the way the car sticks to the road; the downforce allowing Eric to take whichever line through the quick chicanes he pleases.

As this car is designed to maximize aero grip, it rides incredibly low. This is obvious by the way it sparks over some of the near-unnoticeable bumps on the road. Anyone familiar with Formula One from the early 1990s will remember titanium skidplates throwing huge showers of sparks on some of the bumpier circuits.

Because YouTube videos don’t always convey the sense of speed, the sparks are a reminder of how much energy these missiles are carrying along with them. Another indicator of the speed (and stress) involved is the heart rate monitor which sees Eric average 160 bpm during this white-knuckle ride.