New Formula One feeder series announced 19 Jan 2004
The FIA F3000 Championship is to be replaced from 2005 with the new Formula GP2 series, it was announced on Monday. Organisers of the new competition say it will provide an excellent stepping stone into Formula One racing.
The chassis and the engines used will be more sophisticated than the current F3000 machines, with power outputs of 600 HP. The formula is supported by Renault, who will design, build and service the engines, with the chassis produced by Dallara. As with F3000, the series will run at each of the European Formula One Grands Prix.
The Formula GP2 series has the support of Bernie Ecclestone, who, like organiser Bruno Michel, believes it will be a very good way for drivers, engineers and mechanics to get into Formula One racing. "We will have a car that is going to be as close as possible to Formula One," Michel told the BBC.
As with F3000 and Formula One racing, the FIA is expected to be the technical and sporting regulator of the Formula GP2 series.
