F2 & F3 REVERT TO TWO RACE FORMAT IN 2022

Formula 1 feeder series, FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3, will revert back to the combined event formats in 2022.

After separating the two series over different race weekends for the current season, promoters and the FIA have announced that the two series will return to running on the same weekends next under the revised sporting regulations for both series.

“We have carefully looked at the impact of the changes that were made to the weekend format throughout 2021,” said Michael Masi, FIA Single-Seater Sporting Director.

“And while there have been some notable benefits, the FIA together with the promoters have concluded that a shared billing that showcases Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula 1 at the same events wherever possible is more beneficial for both competitors and spectators.”

“The regulatory process is one of constant evolution and there have been a great number of things that we have learned this year that we will implement throughout the FIA’s Single-Seater pyramid, which is continuing to go from strength to strength.”

It was a move aimed at reducing costs for F2 and F3 teams with race weekends separated with an extra race added to the programs at each round.

However for next season, the two classes will again run alongside each other at the same Formula 1 events.

“In 2021, we introduced a new race weekend format and chose to have F2 and F3 race separately, mainly for costs reasons, and it proved to be quite efficient.” said Bruno Michel, FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 CEO.

“However, even if sporting-wise that new format worked pretty well, we understood that there was too much time in between each event, which was not ideal for the teams, the drivers and the fans.”

“At the same time, there has been a strong will by the different stakeholders to have F1, F2 and F3 racing together again.”

“After careful consideration, together with the FIA, we have decided to change the sporting regulations accordingly.”

“This is great news for the fans because we are enhancing the overall F1 Grand Prix weekend experience, having all three Championships racing together, at as many events as possible.”

“However, we are keeping our races where the most points are allocated and the stakes are higher on Sundays, ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix.”

“It’s worked quite well this year and I believe this has brought a lot of action and entertainment on Sunday morning.”

Both F2 and F3 will run similar race programs featuring a single practice session, one qualifying session and two races with the second to be a longer feature race for more points.

The move will see the second reverse grid sprint dropped from the current schedule with qualifying to determine the grid for the feature race on Sunday. While the Saturday sprint race grid will be determined by reversing the top 10 from qualifying in F2 and the top 12 in F3.

“We are pleased to announce the changes to the weekend format for Formula 2 and 3 for next season and I am grateful to Bruno and the teams for their efforts to make this happen.” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

“The 2021 season has been hugely exciting and the talent on display in both Championships is incredible.”

“We want to ensure all our fans get the maximum entertainment during a race weekend and bringing the Championships back together in 2022 will provide more racing action during our events and ensure our fans have activity that will keep them engaged and excited.”

The number of events for both F2 and F3 will be announced after the Formula 1 calendar is finalised in October.

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