New FIA Formula 3 Championship car revealed for 2019

The all-new FIA Formula 3 Championship car - which will replace current GP3 machinery - has been revealed in Abu Dhabi ahead of the inaugural 2019 campaign.

A merger series, known as FIA F3, will be formed from the current GP3 Series and FIA Formula 3 European Championship for next season in a bid to simplify and align the single-seater ladder that falls directly below Formula 1.

The car, which has been commissioned for use in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 FIA F3 seasons, features a naturally aspirated 3.4 litre bespoke Macachrome 6 cylinder engine, capable of delivering 380 HP at 8000 rpm.

According to an FIA F3 statement, the philosophy of the car’s technology was to “find a middle ground between performance and cost effectiveness”, with aerodynamics specifically optimised to facilitate overtaking.

As well as featuring the Halo cockpit protection device and Virtual Safety Car technology, the F3 2019 car will also include a wide range of suspension set-up possibilities.

Series boss Bruno Michel believes the F3 2019 car has been designed to produce a “safe and challenging car” that centres around close racing and overtaking.

“Our focus was to provide a safe and challenging car which will enable close racing and encourage overtaking,” Michel said.

“When designing this car, we also kept in mind cost effectiveness in order to limit operational costs for the teams, but also deliver an attractive package.

“I am very confident that this car which matches the FIA Formula 3 2019 safety standards will deliver great racing and provide the fans with high-quality entertainment,” he added.

“It is the perfect tool for young drivers to make their way up the motorsport ladder with the goal to graduate to Formula 2 and ultimately, hopefully, race in Formula 1.”

FIA F1 race and safety director Charlie Whiting, said: “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.”

Like with F1 and F2, Pirelli will be the official tyre supplier to the championship.

The car has already concluded a “successful” shakedown test at Magny-Cours in October, ahead of a series of further tests in December that will predominantly focus on performance.

The first cars will be handed over to the 10 confirmed teams in mid-January, prior to another shakedown in the same month and then pre-season testing.

Want to see the 2019 #F3 challenger in action? Take a look here: pic.twitter.com/rfezTH1IOI

— Formula 3 (@FIAFormula3) November 22, 2018