Further details have been released regarding the new Formula Libre style open-wheel category that will launch in Australia next year.
To be known as Formula A Australia, the series will cater for a range of single seaters, up to two litres in engine capacity, in a multi-class structure, which will effectively replace the Australian Formula 3 Premier Series.
A consortium led by former Shannons Nationals boss Rob Curkpatrick and son Liam Curkpatrick has won the rights to manage the category following a CAMS tender process.
The Formula A Management team also includes three-time Australian Formula 3 series winner Tim Macrow, while Kumho Tyres has been announced as the control tyre supplier and major sponsor.
The top class, known as Class 1 (F3 Premier), will cater for current-specification Formula 3 cars, while Class 2 (F3 National) will be designed for competitors running older specification vehicles.
Additional classes include categories for carbon fibre wings-and-slicks cars (including Toyota Racing Series, Formula BMW and Formula Renault).
Formula A Australia will feature a dedicated Formula 1000 class and a fifth category for historic wings and slicks cars.
Formula 4 cars, however, will not be eligible, despite a rule change that will see the previously lease-only Australian vehicles able to be purchased privately from next year.
According to a statement from Formula A Australia, the category will recognise all existing Formula 3 records, statistics, and heritage.
A six round calendar beginning at the 10 Hours of Sydney production car meeting at Sydney Motorsport Park from January 13-15 has been touted.
It is expected the series will feature at key Shannons Nationals events, while there are plans for the category to build a summer and winter series in the future.
“Formula A Australia aims to be a professionally run, high quality national series that is as inclusive as possible,” said Rob Curkpatrick.
“The brand ‘Formula A Australia’ was selected to give the category an opportunity to create its own image and position in the sport.
“It has been clear that a new approach was required for the fastest level of ‘wings and slicks’ competition to really move the discussion away from any rivalries or clashes with other forms of racing and focus what has undeniably been a great on-track product.
“We need to move past politics within the sport and get on with producing a great show and making an affordable and enjoyable series for the competitors and fans watching trackside.
“The series will gradually shift towards an emphasis over a summer calendar to move it out of the crowded market the ‘traditional’ calendar currently has and to encourage international participation in the future.
“By splitting it in two we will hopefully attract competitors who might not have the budget to contest a full championship, but still want to race for a title win.
“It gives drivers options suited to their budget needs and we will piece together a prize package that rewards those contesting both the summer and winter cups, plus the overall series.
“Finally it is vital we acknowledge the efforts of Ian and Meryl Richards (Australian F3 category managers) in their passionate championing of Australian Formula 3 over the last few years.
“Without their efforts the category would have disappeared long ago and we could not have been in this position.”
CAMS General Manager of Motor Sport Michael Smith expects the series to have a bright future under Curkpatrick’s leadership.
“CAMS is looking forward to working with Formula A Australia management in 2017, and eagerly anticipate the first round,” said Smith.
“The credentials of the management group are very strong and we believe the category has a strong future.”
Discussion about this post