FORMULA 3

The FIA Formula 3 Championship unveiled the F3 2019 car to the international media at the Yas Marina Circuit today. The new car, which will be raced in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons, was revealed in the Formula 1 paddock ahead of the final F1 Grand Prix of the 2018 season.

The F3 2019 is the best compromise between the current GP3 Series and FIA Formula 3 European Championship cars. It features a naturally aspirated 3.4 litre bespoke Mecachrome 6 cylinder engine, which delivers 380 HP at 8000 rpm. The philosophy of this car’s technology was to find a middle ground between performance and cost effectiveness wherever possible.

The aerodynamics were optimized to facilitate overtaking with very low ride height sensitivity and a wide range of suspension set up possibilities. The car also complies with the FIA F3 2019 safety standards which include anti intrusion panels and a steel Halo.

The car has made a successful shakedown on October 11th at the driving school circuit in Nevers Magny-Cours and later completed 165 laps over the following two weeks also in Magny-Cours. The development programme will run over a number of tests across the remainder of the year to accumulate sufficient mileage and ensure that a reliable car will be delivered to the teams. Three test sessions in December will be focused on performance testing, where the car will be pushed to its limits.

A first machine will be handed over to the teams in mid-January 2019, and the second and third car will be delivered together in February. There will be a shakedown with one car per team during that same month to allow them to become acclimatised to it ahead of the first official pre-season test.

Pirelli is the official tyre supplier to the championship, and has been integral to the design process to ensure continuity with respect to the tyres.

FIA Director of Formula 1, Charlie Whiting, said: “We are pleased to unveil the exciting new 2019 FIA Formula 3 car here in Abu Dhabi, marking the final step in the process of bringing the FIA Formula 3 Championship onto the same platform as Formula 2 and Formula 1, which has been an important goal for the FIA.

“This car, while more powerful and spectacular than previous iterations, will include the latest safety standards for single-seaters, in line with the developments we continue to make at the very highest levels of the sport.

“Formula 3 has a long and rich history, and to see it become a regular part of Grands Prix weekends is the start of an exciting new chapter. The category will continue to prepare and educate young drivers, giving them the best possible opportunity to achieve their ambitions. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Promoter and Formula 1®, and we are proud to unveil this impressive new car alongside them.”