Formula 2 to return

[cos]

from grandprix.com :

Formula 3000 to become F2 again
It has been talked about on and off for many years but it seems that finally logic will prevail and Formula 3000 will be turned back into Formula 2 when the FIA World Council meets in June. This will make it much more obvious to the world that the series is the formula nearest to Formula 1 and above Formula 3. The change was discussed along with a variety of other possible changes, including holding the F3000 race on Sunday mornings at each Grand Prix to fill the gap that has been left by the cancellation of the warm-up and to give the series more coverage.

In recent months Formula 3000 has been under increasing pressure with competition from the Nissan World Series, the new Renault V6 Eurocup and the European Formula 3000 championship. These all offer cheaper alternative to the International F3000 series, which has meant that grids have fallen. The aim now is to bring down costs in Formula 3000 because although the cost of a chassis is pegged the cost of spares has sky-rocketed. It is anticipated that the next contract offered by the FIA will included stipulations about the cost of spares.

Current chassis supplier Lola is likely to face stiff competition for the next F3000 chassis supply deal which will begin in 2005. Zytek Engineering, the Repton-based company which is supplying the engines for the championship, has set up a Vehicle Technology Division, which is being run by former Jordan F1 managing-director Trevor Foster. This will be building a chassis to bid for the F3000 deal.

[DanFlag]

It could boost interest!

[unofficialf3000]

I know some people say this is not the answer to boost F3000, but I agree with Dan. At least people having it clear in their minds that F3000 is a step below F1 (not a bad thing IMO) is better than them not having a clue where it fits in.

[Jay]

I wonder if the new name might help teams get sponsors... F2 doesn't need any explaining.

[AndyF]

Yeah I think it makes good sense to change it.

[Thommy]

So, which way has to be chosen by Formula2? The "manufactors-cup" as it is now? Or a free-market series, with different chassis- builder (Lola, G-Force, Mygale, Dallara etc.) and eninges (Alfa, BMW, Ford, Honda, Peugeot etc.), like the old F2 had been...
What do you think?

[cos]

I remember reading in Perry McCarthy's autobiography that F3000 used to confuse potential sponsors... some even suggested that it was called F3000 because it meant $3000 a lap... (probably not far off!)

[SALEEN S7R]

Personally I like the idea of F3000 being re-named Formula 2, it will help the average F1 fan, who perhaps is not aware of F3000 or F3 etc to understand where Formula 2 fits into the scheme of things. Formula 3000 is a little bit more confusing than Formula 2 if u ask me, for the average fan I mean, ie the bloke/woman who watches the F1, and ocassionaly a BTCC race. Good news for the series.

[Andrew Kitson]

At last. We have been saying this for years.
How many times have we had to explain to non racing people why there is not a Formula 2? ....and then have to explain that it is really called F3000. The next question is always ' but why?'

[verglas]

mmm, Formula 2 a free formula? different chassis and engines, works cars and privateers, tyres...no, far too sensible, it would never happen!

[x_dt]

F2 became F3000 in 1985 - but why? :confused:

[littleman]

At last common sense has prevailed - should never have dropped the F2 name tag in the first place.The next major decision awaiting the FIA is to divert a proportion of the money generated from global F1 TV rights to F2 and F3.Is it right that one man,Bernie Ecclestone,has become a multi billionaire from our sport whilst dozens of talented drivers down the years fail to progress through lack of funds? Some of the TV revenue should filter through to the teams at F2 & F3 level so they can select their drivers on ability alone.Why should a rich old man get richer whilst Robbie Kerr,Paffett,Hynes (the list is endless)see their careers stalling?The FIA could have a powerful influence in this area if they really had the best interests of the sport at heart.

[Jesper OH]

Now we are at it, why not take a hint from the FIM MotoGP series - have a weekend of F1, F2 and F3 at all 16 races. This way it should be possible to follow new talents through their career, as Valentino Rossi (and others) has done on bikes.

On another note I have wondered just why Bernie Ecclestone has visited various MotoGP races over the last few years!

Jesper O. Hansen

[Fish_Flake]

It's about time. Formula 3000 might sound better, but it holds no meaning. There is Formula 1, And the next step back should be Formula 2. I don't know whether or not this will increase the car count, but you never know.

[Rob29]

Originally posted by x_dt
F2 became F3000 in 1985 - but why? :confused:

Reason given at the time was that F2 sounded second rate.Actually F2 was not renamed but scrapped.The new F3000 was meant to be the 3000cc unsupercharged F1 cars,that were replaced by turbos.Other suggested titles were F1 'serie B' and Grand Prix Lights.

[Morcilman]

too litle too late?

[Don K]

Originally posted by Jesper OH
Now we are at it, why not take a hint from the FIM MotoGP series - have a weekend of F1, F2 and F3 at all 16 races.

Which of the F3 series should be chosen for that?
The European one?
Or a brand new one?

[Jesper OH]

Originally posted by Don K
Which of the F3 series should be chosen for that?
The European one?
Or a brand new one?

Hi Don K

A new one. This should then be an International title, with the status of the current F3000.

Jesper O. Hansen

[DNQ]

I can't believe it took them 18 years to work this one out.

[Paul Rayner]

Originally posted by Jesper OH
Now we are at it, why not take a hint from the FIM MotoGP series - have a weekend of F1, F2 and F3 at all 16 races. This way it should be possible to follow new talents through their career, as Valentino Rossi (and others) has done on bikes.

Sadly, that would raise the cost of an F3 season astronomically, to even more than it is at the moment. Remember that a season of British F3 with a top team costs around £400,000, and an international series would only be more expensive.

[Jesper OH]

Originally posted by Paul Rayner
Sadly, that would raise the cost of an F3 season astronomically, to even more than it is at the moment. Remember that a season of British F3 with a top team costs around £400,000, and an international series would only be more expensive.

It will, but I suspect that the victims of an international F3 series will be some of the other internationl single seater series, like the Nissan- and Renault-series.

All of this is pure fantasy, but a fantasy I would like to see in the flesh one day. Thankfully fantasies don't cost a thing, but the use of one's head.

This will be all from me for some days, but keep it coming.

[Andrew Kitson]

In an ideal world, I reckon each GP weekend should include the F3000 race but renamed as F2 as suggested here, a world championship sportscar race and a world championship touring car race. Also throw in a historic event for a little flavour of the history of the sport. It would make sense for the manufacturers involved in F1 to also show their products in the supporting sports and touring car races. I also think it should be compulsory for future F1 drivers to come through F2 or CART. Therefore the supporting F2 race would have real meaning.
A fantasy maybe, but even better would be seeing some of the F1 stars do the supporting events too in their respective manufacturers cars. Just like they did in the 60s! Afterall they have time on their hands now with no warm up and only do half the job of previous F1 drivers due to driver aids.

[Hammerwerfer]

I have to agree with Jesper OH in that a weekend with the three classes would be a great idea. It would certainly make the job of getting sponsorship for the lesser formulas that much easier.

[BootsOntheSide]

I'm not sure this will save F3000 in itself, but it should boost the series. The idea of a MotoGP style meeting sounds good, with drivers given a good chance to progress as they will know the circuits immediately