BRITISH F3 DECIDES TO KEEP CAR FOR NEXT YEAR
Series decides against becoming Regional F3 category for 2020 but plans small tweaks
BRDC British Formula 3 will retain its existing car for next season despite considering the possibility of switching to a halo-fitted machine for 2020.
The decision comes after Motorsport Vision, which operates the championship, has considered trying to gain FIA Regional F3 status for the last two seasons.
Such a move would mean a change to a halo-fitted car but, after consultation with teams, the championship will remain with its existing machine, which first came into use in 2016.
The Tatuus-cosworth cars will undergo small upgrades to increase performance and create a slightly different look for next year.
“We are doing an upgrade package for next year to improve the aerodynamics a little bit,” said Jonathan Palmer, chief executive of MSV.
“The key thing is we were working in co-ordination with the teams to understand what teams would like to see in terms of future development with the car and in terms of cost.
“We are certainly open and we would like to upgrade our British F3 cars to the latest FIA technical regulations.
“We put proposals forward to the FIA for a new British F3 car which used a halo car and that is still due to be considered and discussed.
“But until that happens our current car is doing a very good job.”
The decision not to become a Regional F3 championship means that the series could lose the Formula 3 name, having already been granted an extension to use it in 2019 by the FIA.
But Palmer is keen that the name should remain and hopeful that the governing body agrees.
“Certainly we’re hopeful that British F3 retains the F3 title,” he added. “In Britain we’ve got a long history with the British F3 name, it’s understood by the drivers, teams and public, everyone understands it. There’s no real reason why we shouldn’t keep it.”
The 2020 British F3 calendar was also revealed earlier this month, and remains unchanged from this season. The championship will begin at Oulton Park and include visits to Snetterton, Silverstone (twice), Donington Park (twice), Spa and Brands Hatch.
Josh Mason has become the first driver to commit to the 2020 British F3 season. The two-time race winner will remain with Lanan Racing for his third season in the championship.