FIA F3 Light concept to be based on BRDC F3

A variation of the current BRDC British Formula 3 car could be used to form the basis of the FIA’S new F3 Light category, which it wants to bring in to bridge the gap between domestic F4 and European F3.

BRDC British F3 runs a modified version of a Tatuus FIA F4 chassis fitted with a two-litre 230bhp CosworthFord engine. The FIA wants to rejuvenate regional F3 classes, and is working with chassis constructors Tatuus, Mygale and Dome to develop a concept for the proposed new class.

Current British F3 teams have spoken of their confusion at the concept of F3 Light. Carlin boss Trevor Carlin said: “To be honest I get thoroughly confused by the FIA’S stance on this. We had something called F3 Lite, it was called British F3, and they killed it with various rule changes and squabbling.

“The FIA never talk to the teams or ask opinions and that’s why we’re in this situation and this state after they closed the door for British F3 before. The FIA should write the rules and leave the countries to it.

“Now they realise they’ve made a mistake and we have a very good product, which is now called F3, but they’re not F3 cars.”

HHC’S Charlie Kemp added: “We need a clear F3 structure in this country with a clear step to Europe. We don’t need more European series. This BRDC F3 package works.”