A new development category will join the Australian motorsport world in 2015.                   

Australian Joseph Mawson testing Formula 4 in England. Photo: Joseph Mawson

The Confederation of Australian Motorsport today confirmed that the FIA category Formula 4 will begin racing in Australia in the 2015 season.

Formula 4 will join popular open-wheeler developer categories Australian Formula 3 Drivers Championship, Australian Formula Ford and Formula Vee to help springboard young drivers into overseas categories, making an easier pathway to Formula 1.

The FIA Formula 4 concept currently sees a control 1600cc engine, with a carbon-monocoque chassis to add to the wings-and-slicks, which will be a control item for the category.

CAMS chief Eugene Arocca believes this is a step-forward for young drivers, essentially making their first step from karting to Formula 1.

“We are always looking for new and innovative ways for our great sport to grow and Formula 4 is certainly that,” said Arocca.

“We have already had conversations with a number of parties who are interested in being involved, so an open tender process provides everyone with a chance to take on this exciting opportunity in partnership with CAMS and we plan to announce the successful party in due course.

“I strongly believe that the example of Australia will be followed very soon by many other countries.”

Confirmation of Formula 4 leaves a slim future for Australian Formula 3, with two wings-and-slicks open-wheeler categories coming across as unsustainable in Australia.

Formula 4 is part of an international open-wheel pathway devised by FIA Single Seater Commission chairman Gerhard Berger, already popular in the United Kingdom.

The category’s main mission is to make open-wheel racing more affordable, teaching young drivers how to work with an engineer and understand the dynamics behind aerospace.

Expect more news in the coming weeks with CAMS’ announcement of the governing parties involved in the up-coming category.

Written by Loren Hazelwood. @LorenHazelwood

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