40 Facts About FIA Formula 3 Championship

The Birth of FIA Formula 3 Championship

The FIA Formula 3 Championship is a stepping stone for young drivers aiming for the pinnacle of motorsport. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this exciting series.

1. Establishment: Launched in 2019, the FIA Formula 3 Championship emerged from the merger of the GP3 Series and the FIA Formula 3 European Championship.
2. Purpose: Designed to provide a clear path from karting to Formula One, it ensures a structured progression for aspiring drivers.
3. Championship Structure: Part of the FIA Global Pathway consolidation project plan, it streamlines the development of young drivers.

Car Specifications and Performance

The cars in the FIA Formula 3 Championship are marvels of engineering, designed for speed, safety, and competitive racing.

4. Car Specifications: The championship uses the Dallara F3 2019 chassis, featuring a carbon-fiber monocoque and a Mecachrome naturally-aspirated direct-injected V6 engine.
5. Engine Performance: Delivering approximately 380 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, the engine is both powerful and competitive.
6. Tyre Allocation: Each driver gets four sets of dry-weather tyres and two sets of wet-weather tyres per event, ensuring consistent performance.
7. Tyre Supplier: Pirelli, known for high-quality and durable tyres, supplies the championship.
8. Chassis Design: The Dallara F3 2019 chassis promotes close racing and increased overtaking, with safety advancements similar to Formula One.
9. Weight and Dimensions: The car, including the driver, must weigh at least 550 kg, with specific dimensions like a maximum width of 1,150 mm and a minimum wheelbase of 2,000 mm.
10. Regulatory Compliance: Strict regulations prohibit active suspension, telemetry, and traction control, ensuring a level playing field.
11. Transmission: Cars use a sequential paddle-shift gearbox with six forward gears and one reverse, providing smooth shifting.
12. Braking System: Undrilled ferrous brakes ensure consistent braking performance and safety.
13. Wheel Specifications: Wheels have a maximum diameter of 13 inches and a width of 9.5 inches, offering a stable driving experience.
14. Fuel Capacity: The fuel tank holds 45 liters, with fuel being a controlled standard similar to pump gasoline.
15. Fuel Supplier: A single supplier provides fuel, ensuring consistency and fairness.

Race Formats and Points System

The championship's race formats and points system are designed to keep the competition fierce and exciting.

16. DRS Zones: The Drag Reduction System (DRS) is available in designated zones, similar to Formula One, allowing drivers to gain speed and overtake.
17. DRS Activation: DRS can be activated after two laps unless the race director decides otherwise due to poor weather or yellow flags.
18. Qualifying Sessions: One 30-minute qualifying session on Friday determines the starting grid for Sunday’s Feature Race and Saturday’s Sprint Race.
19. Free Practice Sessions: A 45-minute free practice session on Friday allows drivers to familiarize themselves with the track and fine-tune their cars.
20. Sprint Race Format: The Sprint Race on Saturday lasts 40 minutes plus one lap, providing an exciting event.
21. Feature Race Format: The Feature Race on Sunday morning lasts 45 minutes plus one lap, often preceding the Formula One Grand Prix.
22. Starting Grids: The grid for Sunday’s Feature Race is determined by Friday’s Qualifying session. The grid for Saturday’s Sprint Race reverses the top 12 finishers of Friday’s Qualifying session.
23. Points Attribution: Two points go to the pole position driver for the Feature Race. For the Sprint Race, the top 10 drivers receive points from 10 to 1. For the Feature Race, the top 10 finishers score from 25 to 1.
24. Fastest Lap Points: One point is awarded to the driver with the fastest lap in each race, provided they finish in the top 10.

Driver and Team Participation

The championship features a mix of talented drivers and competitive teams, making each race a thrilling spectacle.

25. Driver Licensing: All drivers must hold a Grade A or B International FIA Licence, ensuring they meet necessary safety and driving standards.
26. Team Participation: Teams like Jenzer Motorsport, Hitech Pulse-Eight, and ART Grand Prix participate in the championship.
27. Driver Lineup: Talented young drivers such as Oliver Goethe, Matías Zagazeta, and Martinius Stenshorne compete for top positions.
28. Mid-season Changes: The championship has seen mid-season changes due to driver suspensions and injuries. For example, Matías Zagazeta was replaced by James Hedley due to appendicitis, while Martinius Stenshorne was replaced by James Wharton after receiving a suspension.

Calendar and Regulation Changes

The championship's calendar and regulations evolve to enhance the racing experience and ensure safety.

29. Calendar Changes: The championship has experienced changes, such as the return to Imola after the 2023 round was cancelled due to mass flooding.
30. Regulation Changes: New regulations enhance sustainability and safety. For instance, the use of 55% sustainable fuel in 2023 will increase to 100% by 2027, and new tyre specifications address durability concerns.
31. Sustainability Efforts: The championship aims to use 100% sustainable fuel by 2027, aligning with the FIA's environmental goals.
32. Safety Enhancements: Safety enhancements similar to those in Formula One ensure a safe and competitive environment for drivers.

Iconic Circuits and Event Schedule

The championship features some of the most iconic circuits and a diverse event schedule, making it a global spectacle.

33. Iconic Circuits: Circuits like Bahrain International Circuit, Albert Park Circuit, and the Circuit de Monaco provide a challenging and exciting racing environment.
34. Event Schedule: The schedule includes a mix of European and international circuits, ensuring a diverse and engaging racing calendar.
35. Supporting Role: The championship often supports Formula One Grand Prix weekends, giving fans a chance to see the next generation of drivers in action.

Fan Engagement and Driver Development

The championship focuses on engaging fans and developing young drivers, ensuring the future of motorsport remains bright.

36. Fan Engagement: Efforts to increase fan engagement make racing more accessible and enjoyable. Close racing and competitive cars ensure thrilling events.
37. Driver Development: The championship plays a crucial role in developing young drivers, providing valuable experience and exposure to high-level racing.
38. Historical Significance: Many Formula One World Champions have progressed through Formula 3, highlighting its importance in developing top-tier drivers.
39. Global Participation: Participants come from various regions, including Europe, Asia, and South America, reflecting its global reach and appeal.
40. Future Prospects: The championship continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to improve sustainability, safety, and driver development. Its future looks promising, with a clear path for aspiring drivers to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.

The Future of FIA Formula 3

The FIA Formula 3 Championship is a vital stepping stone for young drivers aiming for the top tiers of motorsport. Launched in 2019, it merges the best of the GP3 Series and FIA Formula 3 European Championship. With its Dallara F3 2019 chassis and Mecachrome V6 engine, the series offers a competitive and safe environment. The structured progression from karting to Formula One ensures drivers get the experience they need. Iconic circuits, strict regulations, and a focus on sustainability make it a thrilling and forward-thinking championship. The use of 55% sustainable fuel in 2023, aiming for 100% by 2027, highlights its commitment to the environment. With a diverse calendar and global participation, the future looks bright for FIA Formula 3. It remains a crucial part of the motorsport landscape, developing the next generation of racing talent.