Formula 2 and Formula 3 has announced a number of changes for the Championships from 2021 onward, all aimed at cutting costs in the junior racing categories.
The traditional format of holding two races per weekend for each category has been scrapped, with three races now held at an event.
The F2 season will consist of eight rounds, meaning there will be 24 races during the campaign – the same number as 2020.
Due to the challenges posed by hosting six races alongside a Formula 1 weekend, F3 will not be held on the same weekend as F2 next year. However, events will occur alongside F1, with the final calenders expected at a later date.
F3’s calendar will see it travel to seven different venues, adding up to a total of 21 races – three extra than the 18 that were held in 2020.
As a result of less travel for both Championships, the expense of logistics and freight travel will decrease, while the cost of F2 engine lease and various spare parts will fall, following an agreement with suppliers.
In further measures being introduced, there will be no new F2 car introduced over the next three years, with the Dallara F2/18 continuing until at least 2023.
F3’s car specs remain unchanged for 2021, which is likely to stay the same in the following seasons.
“One of our core values since the launch of the GP2 Series back in 2005 has been costs control,” said F2 and F3 CEO Bruno Michel. “Today, more than ever, it has to be at the heart of our strategy.
“The measures we are announcing here are crucial as they have an impact on the way both Championships operate, but also on the calendar and the race weekend timetable, hence the sporting regulations.
“Furthermore, the teams who are currently competing in both Championships will have the possibility to mutualise some of their personnel between the two categories in order to save additional costs.
“We strongly feel that this has to be done and put in place as quickly as possible to ensure the stability of both Championships in the years to come.”
