The introduction of new cars under consideration in Formula 2 and Formula 3

Will the Dallara F2 2018 and F3 2019 soon bow out? This is a question that Bruno Michel did not escape during a recent round table held with the media accustomed to following promotional formulas. And if it could still be too early to raise the subject, the promoter of the Formula 2 and Formula 3 revealed some important information about the future of both categories.

“We are working on different projects, he replied when there was question of the possible arrival of a new car in his championships. The idea, if the economic situation allows, is to launch a new car for F2 in 2024 and in 2025 for F3. Normally we work on 3-year cycles but sometimes we keep the same car for 6 years because we don't want to impose big expenses on the teams. We want to make sure that they don't have to buy a new car, replacement parts, new equipment which represents a big investment. If the economic situation allows it, we will do it.”

This is what the current Formula 3s look like. © Formula Motorsport Limited

“We also need to stay as close as possible to the F1. With a car with a 3-year cycle, it's not easy because F1 evolves a lot every year but with a car with a 6-year cycle, we can see further. This does not mean that there will be less performance, that our races will be less interesting, but it is also a question of technology. We always have to find a balance between technology and cost, and that's the big problem we have in F2 and F3. This is something that we will always have because otherwise our categories would be in a weak situation, which is not the case at the moment. » 

Formula 2 and Formula 3 heading towards hybridization?

At a time when the various motorsport competitions aim to reduce their impact on ecology through different processes, could F2 and F3 take this direction? For the moment, the cars in the two championships do not use 100% renewable fuel or a hybrid power system like Formula 1 does. But with the introduction of the new cars, the situation could change.

“There are a lot of plans under consideration because we are moving in the direction of sustainability like everyone else and it would be stupid not to, recognizes Bruno Michel. There are several ways to achieve this: one is through fuel (100% renewable) and the other by hybridization of the engine. These are two systems we are currently working on. We must always pay attention to costs. When we talk about hybridization, you have to have a completely different approach with the car and the engine. We are studying these scenarios and it is certain that we will undertake one of these paths in the future. »

If he plans on the years 2024 and 2025 for the introduction of the new single-seaters of his promotion formulas, Bruno Michel nevertheless admitted that an announcement should be made “soon” concerning the future of F2 and F3 . “With 22 cars to prepare for 11 teams for 2024, we need to be ready with a design by the end of the year at least. So we have to choose the suppliers, work on the specifications of the car, which we have already started. » The future begins now.

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