A new Asian-based FIA-certified Formula 3 championship will be launched later this year, as motorsport’s governing body continues its process to streamline the single-seater ladder.
The series will be organised by pan-Asian promoter Top Speed, with three races set to take place across five rounds in a single-chassis, single-engine formula.
The FIA has been striving to simplify the ladder towards Formula 1 in recent years, with GP2 rebranded as Formula 2 prior to the 2017 season, while F3 International will debut in 2019, ostensibly in place of GP3.
The new F3 Asian Championship is set to be a feeder series for F3 International, while the category itself is poised to be a stepping stone for those competing in Formula 4 China and Formula 4 South East Asia.
The new car will comply with the FIA’s latest safety features, including the Halo device and enhanced side-impact protection, and will have a six-speed paddle shift gearbox, along with a 270hp turbo engine.
The tyre and chassis suppliers will be announced at a later date.
Malaysia’s Sepang Circuit will open and close the five-round season, with three other rounds to take place in China, at Shanghai and Ningbo respectively.
“The addition of another regional FIA Formula 3 championship will be a hugely positive step in the development of the category around the world,” said FIA Director of Single Seater Championships Charlie Whiting.
“Junior motorsport has been growing rapidly in Asia in recent years, with highly competitive FIA Formula 4 series in China, Japan and South East Asia giving young drivers a better opportunity than ever before to advance their skills and move up to the next level.
“Now with the F3 Asian Championship Certified by FIA, these drivers will have a great place to compete at a regional level.”
Eurasia Motorsport has already declared its intention to field a two-car team in the series, which will begin in July.
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