The Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship may feature as many as four rounds on the V8 Supercars support bill this season.
Having previously announced an appearance at Hidden Valley’s Sky City Triple Crown, Formula 3 series organisers confirmed today that four rounds of the championship will remain on the Shannons Nationals bill.
Speedcafe.com.au understands that the open-wheel category is currently negotiating with V8 Supercars to complete an eight-round calendar.
While continuing to provide intense competition at the front of the field, Formula 3 has struggled for competitor numbers in recent years, and sees the increased profile that V8 Supercars events bring as an important step forward.
“We have been working hard over the past year to secure a presence on the V8 Supercar calendar,” Formula 3 Media Manager Richard Craill told Speedcafe.com.au.
“It’s important to our sponsors, teams and current and potential drivers that we run at the higher profile events that they have.
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“Obviously we have confirmed our presence at the Skycity Triple Crown in Darwin and that’s a big first step.
“With regards to appearing on more V8 Supercar rounds – we need to walk before we can run.
“We need to show them that we put on a great show and that our numbers are growing and consistent because they are all about the entertainment package they can offer their fans.”
If negotiations with V8 Supercars are unsuccessful, Formula 3 may expand its planned Shannons Nationals presence.
Either way, a final calendar must be sorted soon so that competitors can plan for the season.
“We are very much aware that we need to confirm a final schedule,” said Craill.
“Ideally we’d have it in place well before now but there have been factors preventing that.
“We are all working extremely hard to make it work and get the best possible calendar, so that we can have to attract people to the championship so it’s worth waiting for – but we can’t wait too much longer.”
See below for a list of the currently confirmed rounds
| Date | Circuit | Meeting |
| June 17-19 | Hidden Valley, NT | V8 Supercars |
| July 15-17 | Eastern Creek, NSW | Shannons |
| August 12-14 | Morgan Park, QLD | Shannons |
| September 9-11 | Sandown, VIC | Shannons |
| November 4-6 | Phillip Island, VIC | Shannons |
