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F1: FIA F2 Series Canned For 2013
The FIA Formula 2 Championship has always lacked in quality in depth compared to rival GP2 and Renault 3.5 championships...
Frenchman Jean Todt is the president of the FIA. (Photo: Getty Images)
The FIA Formula 2 Championship has been cancelled with a year left to run on the original contract with organizer MSV.
The spec series was strongly supported by then-FIA president Max Mosley when it was introduced, and the carrot of a Williams test drive to the winner helped to attract drivers. However, it has always been lacking quality in depth compared to the rival GP2 and Renault 3.5 championships, which have proven much more successful as training grounds for F1 talent.
MSV boss Jonathan Palmer said: “Despite launching the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2009 at the start of this major global recession, it has performed well with good grids and very competitive racing over the past four years.
“As the FIA intended, F2 has always provided outstanding value and equality for its competitors. However, it has become progressively clear that the single operating team concept that enables these benefits has compromises that have, overall, reduced its appeal to drivers. We and the FIA are in agreement that any future F2 should operate on a more conventional, multi-team basis.
“Other championships at F2's level have also increased their appeal through recent performance upgrades, and it is logical to conclude that in F2's final year, grid numbers would reduce, perhaps significantly.
“I believe we have a responsibility to competitors planning their 2013 seasons and careers not to operate F2 if we are not confident of another strong season, and have therefore discussed this matter with the FIA who understand and accept our recommendation not to continue.”
The FIA said: “The Federation has been pleased to support F2 throughout these four competitive years. This is a racing series which has introduced many young drivers to motor racing and prepared them for higher challenges. The FIA is determined to develop a clear path for young drivers from karting to F1, and therefore reiterates our commitment to single-seater racing series.”
Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.
The spec series was strongly supported by then-FIA president Max Mosley when it was introduced, and the carrot of a Williams test drive to the winner helped to attract drivers. However, it has always been lacking quality in depth compared to the rival GP2 and Renault 3.5 championships, which have proven much more successful as training grounds for F1 talent.
MSV boss Jonathan Palmer said: “Despite launching the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2009 at the start of this major global recession, it has performed well with good grids and very competitive racing over the past four years.
“As the FIA intended, F2 has always provided outstanding value and equality for its competitors. However, it has become progressively clear that the single operating team concept that enables these benefits has compromises that have, overall, reduced its appeal to drivers. We and the FIA are in agreement that any future F2 should operate on a more conventional, multi-team basis.
“Other championships at F2's level have also increased their appeal through recent performance upgrades, and it is logical to conclude that in F2's final year, grid numbers would reduce, perhaps significantly.
“I believe we have a responsibility to competitors planning their 2013 seasons and careers not to operate F2 if we are not confident of another strong season, and have therefore discussed this matter with the FIA who understand and accept our recommendation not to continue.”
The FIA said: “The Federation has been pleased to support F2 throughout these four competitive years. This is a racing series which has introduced many young drivers to motor racing and prepared them for higher challenges. The FIA is determined to develop a clear path for young drivers from karting to F1, and therefore reiterates our commitment to single-seater racing series.”
Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.
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