Formula racing is among the world’s most popular motorsports. With introduction to new technologies and increased competitiveness, the championship has gained huge viewerships and popularity. Contrary to popular belief, Formula racing isn’t limited to F1; there are F2 and F3 tournaments as well.
Formula 3 andf Formula 2 are both divisions of Formula racing. F3 serves as the first stepping stone for drivers who want to make it to Formula 1. Drivers who excel at this level, advance to F2, and then to F1.
The F3 championship is a huge attraction for young drivers. Let’s dig a little deeper and learn about the history, rules, formats, and schedules of Formula 3 racing.
HISTORY OF FORMULA 3
Formula 3 is the first professional step for drivers who wish to pursue a career in motorsports. Although Formula 3 is considered to be the rookie division, the format has seen ups and downs before being established as a brand.
The concept started with a lightweight tube-frame chassis powered by 500 cc motorcycle engines in the postwar era. Formula 3 stood its ground for some time, but in the late 1950s, it was overshadowed by Formula junior for 1000 or 1100 cc cars.
The motorsport world saw many changes with time. Like regulations on the usage of 1600 cc engines in 1971 and new rules for 2-litre engines with restricted air takes. However, by the early 1980s, Formula 3 had made progress after its humble start to come close to the standards of modern Formula racing.
Eventually, Formula 3 was seen as the main training ground for future Formula 1 drivers. Over the years, the chassis became increasingly sophisticated which made the model more similar to the senior Formula. Ground effects were briefly used in the early 1980s before being banned. Carbon fibre chassis was introduced in the mid-1980s.
Besides all these advancements, Formula 3 never had a world championship until 2019. There were the European Formula 3 Championships and the British Formula 3 Championships, two of the most prominent events of this format.
In 2010, the GP3 was launched, and it served as the feeder series for GP2 until 2018.
THE EMERGENCE OF FORMULA 3
In 2019, FIA came into an agreement with the former GP3 series organisation to form a new structure in the motorsports arena. The GP3 series and the European F3 were combined to form Formula 3.
F3 had cemented its place as the first step for motorsport drivers who want to make it to the big stage of Formula 1. Until now, Formula 3 has had three seasons in the ongoing 2022 Grand Prix.
THE AIM OF FORMULA 3
Formula 3 was formed to provide talented drivers with a pathway to Formula 1. Formula 3 would serve as the first major step for young drivers to showcase their talent in a grand arena. The drivers who thrive in this arena move to the Formula 2 division, and eventually to the grandest stage of all, the Formula 1.
The main aim of Formula 3 is to provide young and talented drivers with a platform from which they can progress further. To make it more attractive, FIA introduced the weekend format just like Formula 2.
Besides the grand arena exposure, FIA ensured Formula 2 was the perfect preparation ground for young talent. The drivers are also given an opportunity to showcase their talent in front of F1 teams.
In Formula 3, drivers get the chance to perform on the most famous circuits around the globe. Additionally, FIA has maintained partnerships with leading brands in the automobile industry. This ensures the championship is always evolving.
THE GOVERNING BODY OF FORMULA 3
FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) is the governing body for all of motorsports. FIA monitors all the major and grassroot tournaments around the world. The federation ensures rules and regulations are followed at all times.
FIA aims to provide the perfect environment for motorsports. Along with the training program for drivers at all levels, FIA adopts technological enhancements. This keeps the viewers interested and makes the championship more competitive.
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF FORMULA 3
Formula 3 is a one-make category that consists of 30 identical cars. FIA has Formulated a set of rules and regulations to ensure healthy competition and fair play in the championship. The details of formats and regulations for 2022 are as follows:
WEEKEND FORMAT
ON FRIDAY
- Practice session of 45 minutes
- One qualifying session of 60 minutes
ON SATURDAY
- One sprint race of 40 minutes + 1 lap
ON SUNDAY
- Feature race in the morning ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix
- Feature race consists of 45 minutes + 1 lap
STARTING GRIDS IN FORMULA 3
In the F3 Championship, Friday’s qualifying session results determine the starting grid for the feature race on Sunday.
The results of the top 10 performers of the qualifying round on Friday are reversed. This determines the starting grid positions.
POINTS ATTRIBUTION IN FORMULA 3
The points attribution in Formula 3 is as follows:
- 2 points – for the driver who gets pole position at the conclusion of the qualifying session on Friday
- 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 points – respectively to the top 10 classified drivers in the sprint race
- 5, 18, 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 1 points – respectively to the top 10 drivers in the featured race
- 1 point – to the driver with the fastest lap time. The driver should be in the top 10 positions of the final race classification to get this 1 point.
TYRE ALLOCATION IN FORMULA 3
As per the sporting regulations, each driver is allocated four sets of dry-weather tyres and two sets of wet-weather tyres.
DRIVERS IN FORMULA 3
It is mandatory for all participating drivers to hold a Grade A or Grade B International FIA licence.
DRS IN FORMULA 3
The DRS rules in Formula 3 are the same as in Formula 2.
CAR SPECIFICATIONS IN FORMULA 3
Formula 3 uses identical cars. The car specifications used in F3 cars for 2022 are as follows:
DESIGN CRITERIA IN FORMULA 3 CARS:
- Aerodynamics that are optimised to facilitate overtaking
- Low ride height sensitivity
- A wide range of suspension setup possibilities
- Compliant with FIA 2019 safety rules
- Static tests and crash tests
- Steel Halo
- Wheel tether cables
TECHNOLOGY USED IN FORMULA 3 CARS
- Compromise between performance and cost-effectiveness wherever possible
- Electro-hydraulic gear shift system
- Substantial use of composite materials
- Sequential gearbox
- Data logger equipment (All in one ECU – GCU)
- High-speed data acquisition system ( shouldn’t be telemetry)
DRS USED IN FORMULA 3 CARS
- Marshalling system and F1 type Virtual Safety Car
ENGINE USED IN FORMULA 3 CARS
- Fly-by-wire throttle system
- 3.4 litres Bespoke Mecachrome 6 cylinder engine which gives 380 HP @ 8000 rpm
TYRES USED IN FORMULA 3 CARS
- Pirelli tyres
- Three specific compounds designed for F3, provide the most suitable compound for every circuit
PERFORMANCE OF FORMULA 3 CARS
- Top speed – 300 kilometres per hour
- Lateral acceleration – up to +/- 2.6 G
- Maximum braking deceleration of -1.9 G
- Acceleration from 0 – 100 kilometres per hour: 3.1 seconds
- Acceleration 0 – 200 km/h: 7.8 seconds
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FORMULA 1 AND FORMULA 3
The main difference is that F3 uses identical cars as compared to different and modified cars used in Formula 1.
FORMULA 3 2022 CALENDAR
The fourth season of Formula 3 racing commenced in Bahrain in March 2022. The circuit details and information about finished and upcoming rounds is as follows:
COMPLETED ROUNDS:
- Round 1 – 18th – 20th March – Sakhir, Bahrain
- Round 2 – 22nd – 24th April – Imola, Italy
- Round 3 – 20th – 22nd May – Barcelona, Spain
ROUNDS TO TAKE PLACE
- Round 4 – 1st – 3rd July – Silverstone, Great Britain
- Round 5 – 8th – 10th July – Spielberg, Austria
- Round 6 – 29th – 31st July – Budapest, Hungary
- Round 7 – 26th – 28th August – Spa Francorchamps, Belgium
- Round 8 – 2nd – 4th September – Zandvoort, Netherlands
- Round 9 – 9th – 11th September – Monza, Italy
Want to know more about the Formula 1 division championship? You can check out our guide on the 2022 F1 Grand Prix Season for a detailed overview of the event.
This was your complete guide to Formula three racing. It is the best platform for drivers to shift from amateur racing to professional single-engine racing. The Formula 3 experience provides drivers with the exposure to race in front of large crowds and F1 teams.
With all the safety measures and regulations set by the FIA, the F3 format is a perfect place for amateur drivers to kick start their careers as professionals. A good run in the Formula 3 circuit can open opportunities for young drivers to perform on bigger stages of Formula 2 and Formula 1.
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