FIA more lenient regarding series using the 'F3' title

Published on 12 March 2014 by Stefan Meens

The FIA has found a compromise that will enable the British and German Formula 3 championships to continue using the 'F3' name.  The FIA had previously warned the national series that their cars, because of their use of old-spec engines, would not be considered F3 cars. In contrast, the F3 European Championship and the Japanese F3 series adopted the power plants under the new engine rules and were thus allowed to use the 'F3' name regardless.

Following a meeting between the FIA Single-Seater Commission and various F3 series' organisers,  the British Formula 3 International Series and ATS Formel 3 Cup can thus be named 'F3' as long as they adhere to the FIA regulations that were in place when the cars were built. On that premise, The Spanish-based Euroformula Open would not be classed as an F3 series as it continues to use a different spec Toyota engine.

The decision to allow the British and German F3 championships to use 'F3', means the Zandvoort Masters are able to use the term as well, as this year the event runs cars from British and German F3. However, it not yet clear if the Masters will run its old title. The Dutch organisers will make a decision weighing up the benefits of using 'F3' again, versus promotional work already undertaken featuring the race's new event title.

FIA Formula 3 European Championship teams will not be able to drive at the legendary racing track located in the dunes. The Dutch race will take place the sixth of July which gives the European F3 teams only half a week to get their cars up and running for the Russian round of the championship. Logistically, this would be impossible.
Therefore, the Zandvoort Masters are not part of Max' 2014 calendar. The possibilities of Verstappen junior participating in the event, won by his father Jos in 1993, are however being looked into. The Verstappen Info Page will keep you up to date if Max were to feature during the Zandvoort Masters.