After Australia, Bruno Michel opens the door to America and Asia

The second youth of the F1 also allowed the F2 and F3 to see their popularity skyrocket. Between wider media coverage and a web series Chasing The Dream (series dedicated to F2), the two championships are attracting more interest from fans around the world but also from promoters.

It is therefore not insignificant if F2, like F3 (which was already due to take part in a round in Austin in 2021 before its cancellation) will go to Australia for the first time in their history starting next year. " This further strengthens the international aspect of our two championships, by racing them on a new continent., confided Bruno Michel last June at the time of the announcement. It also shows that more and more circuits believe that FIA F2 and FIA F3 add value to the F1 Grand Prix experience, showcasing the next generation of drivers."

Growing interest in F2 and F3

As both championships prepare to visit the Antipodes from 2023, could they become even more international in the future? “ We are open to all types of destinations to be completely honest, recognized Bruno Michel. We will be very happy to race in the United States if we have to go there one day for example."

For the F2 and F3 calendars to open up more to more distant and hitherto unknown destinations for the category, various points will have to be taken into account: a number of rounds not to be exceeded but also the expenses linked to costs of displacement.

« A lot of promoters want us to come to them but ultimately I don't want us to have a 24 round season in F2, underlines Bruno Michel. It wouldn't make any sense. We must limit the number of meetings. In addition, you will have to look at the freight and the cost that this generates. For Australia, we provide freight for the teams. We also need to make sure that we go to places where we can recoup the money spent on freight. It's something very important and it's part of the agreement we made with the Australian Grand Prix »

Interest in F2 continues to grow every year. © Diederik van der Laan / Dutch Photo Agency / DPPI

Don't forget the origins

Although he recognizes a constantly growing interest from various non-European promoters, Bruno Michel nevertheless wants F2 and F3 to remain attached as much as possible to their roots: the traditional circuits of the Old Continent.

« I would be very happy to go to the United States, do the Mexico-Brazil sequence, and visit all these places (with the championships), continues the person concerned. It would be very exciting for F2 and F3. In addition to the two points indicated, it is also very important to race in Europe and to ride on circuits like Monaco, Monza or even Silverstone because if we venture a little further I am convinced that some will criticize us for neglecting a little the old circuits.

We have to wait but every year before defining the calendar we discuss and we take a step back to see what is best based on the overall context. It changes from year to year which is very good.. » For the moment, only Australia has been confirmed but the numerous requests are a reality. And we can only rejoice.

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