More Uncertainties about F3000's future

[Wycco]

From Flagworld

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is reported to have said that the International F3000 championship will be axed unless enough teams commit to the series to provide 20-car grids next season.

It is thought he's issued a deadline of the end of next month to the teams currently in F3000, and those who might be interested in joining from Euro3000 and other series.

The news came to light when Euro3000 organiser Pierluigi Corbari said he couldn't confirm whether the championship would run next year, as he had been expected to at Donington Park this weekend, because that decision depended on the future of the International series.

Looks like the 2 series may be heading for a merger next year... there again Bernie talks a buncha crap most of the time.

So does the future hold- one F3000 series next year- and F2 for 2005?

The regulations for both F3000s are the same right? So the formula wouldn't change due to a merger?

[Senninha]

The regualtions are no longer the same for both championships. The tech regs have changed as the Euro3000 cars run with the old F3000 set up (used in International F3000 from 1996/7? - 2001), the old car. The Lola used in this season's Int F3000 championship (and last year;s) was designed to be more like an F1 car.

I think if they merged then that would become the F2 we've heard about. There is still talk of pit stops being introduced for Hungary. I haven't heard much recently.

At Donington, the commentators were saying that the Euro3000 teams DIDN't WANT to merge with the International teams, and they wanted to be independant.

Whatever, I will be sad to see F3000 struggle. But it seems mad that you can have 4 championships competing for the same pieces of tarmac, when only one of them actually looks as if it has a future...

[Senninha]

Here they go...

From autosport.com

F3000 gets pitstops for Hungary

F1 feeder formula gets trial run ahead of 2004 season



The final two rounds of the FIA Formula 3000 International Championship will feature mandatory pitstops as a prelude to their full-time introduction to the series in 2004.

All teams have approved the move, which is aimed at spicing up the action in the one-make single-seater series. It will be tried for the first time at the next round of the championship at Hungary next weekend.

"This idea was put forward by the FIA's Charlie Whiting," Arden team boss Christian Horner told Motorsport News. "I contacted the teams, who were unanimous. It should spice up the races and teach drivers about pushing on their in- and out-laps. It will instill a good discipline about adhering to the speed limit. It is something they will use if they progress on from F3000."

Six pit crew will be able to work on the car during the stops, including two jack men.

Den Bla Avis team manager Paul Jackson said: "Teams will be a bigger part of the equation and it means races could be won or lost with the use of strategy."

[Wycco]

I hope they are making the races slightly longer as a result- otherwise they'll not have to watch tyre wear as much...

One of the two times overtaking occurs in F3000 is towards the end when tyres begin to wear down.

[Senninha]

Wycco said:

I hope they are making the races slightly longer as a result- otherwise they'll not have to watch tyre wear as much...

One of the two times overtaking occurs in F3000 is towards the end when tyres begin to wear down.

Doubt it.

To be honest I don't think they have the time to extend the races either. But I think we could see more tyre wear as drivers now know they can 'waste' their tyres early on and not have to save them. I would think this would encourage driver error.

The schedule for F1 Saturday goes something like this. F1 Qualie is now one hour later - 2-3pm local time. Therefore F3000 starts at 3:30/4:00pm. Race finishes around 5pm. There's usually a Porsche practice following that (or other supports), by which time you're looking at 6pm, and then it's too late to do anything - so unlikely I think.