FIA Global Pathway
The FIA Global Pathway from Karting to Formula One is a program developed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the international sanctioning body for motorsports that is designed to assist racing drivers progress from karting to Formula One.[1] The program was first developed in 2014 with the creation of the Formula 4 category,[2] and follows a tiered structure, with drivers racing in increasingly-powerful cars. The Global Pathway represents the consolidation of feeder series to create a more linear approach to progressing into Formula One.[1]
Eligible series
Formula 4
Formula 4 is the first stage of the Global Pathway, for drivers fifteen years of age and older.[1] Formula 4 is structured as a "national" championship, with each series contained within a single geographical area. Despite the "national" classification, Formula 4 championships may encompass several countries, such as the SMP F4 Championship, which takes in Russia, Estonia, Finland and the Netherlands. Each Formula 4 championship uses chassis and engines built to a single specification so that drivers can compete in multiple championships without having to adjust to a different car.
Regional Formula 3
The second stage of the Global Pathway is Regional Formula 3, which puts drivers in cars that are progressively more powerful than those used in Formula 4. The series is classified as a "regional" championship,.[1] As of 2020, there are three regional series: in Europe, in Asia and in North America.
Formula 3
The only "international" series of Formula 3 are the FIA Formula 3 Championship and the FIA Formula 3 World Cup, better known as the Macau Grand Prix. It started in 2019.[3]
Formula 2
The reintroduction of Formula 2 is planned to be the final intermediary stage of the Global Pathway.[4][5][1] The series will be styled as an "international" championship for drivers seventeen to eighteen years old.[1] Drivers will not be required to participate in Formula 2 to compete in Formula One, as success in Formula 3 will contribute to a driver's FIA Super Licence; however, of the series which are recognised as contributing to a Super Licence, Formula 2 will have the greatest weight.[6] Rather than creating a new series where none previously existed, the FIA chose to rebrand the GP2 Series as the FIA Formula 2 Championship starting in 2017.[7]
Formula 1
Formula One represents the top tier of the Global Pathway, with the series recognised by the FIA as the premier class of open-wheel motorsport.
Other series
Other established open-wheel series, such as Formula Renault, are not considered to be a part of the Global Pathway,[1] but will still contribute to a driver's Super Licence.[6]
Comparison
| Class | F1 | F2 | F3 | F3-R | F4 | KF2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis | Various | Dallara F2 2018 | Dallara F3 2019 | Tatuus T-318/Ligier Crawford JS F3 | Various | Various |
| Engine | Hybrid 1.6 L turbocharged V6 | 3.4 L turbocharged V6 | 3.4 L NA V6 | 1.8 L / 2.0L | 1.6 L | 125 cc |
| Minimum weight (kg) | 743 | 755 | 673 | 522 | 800 | 158 |
| Typical power (hp) | 1000 | 620 | 350 | 270 | 160 | 36 |
References
- "About Formula 4". formula4.com.au. Confederation of Australian Motor Sport. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
- Anderson, Ben; O'Leary, Jamie (21 March 2013). "FIA reveals Formula 4 plan". autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
- "Formula 1 to promote the FIA Formula 3 Championship". formula1.com. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
- "FIA begins work on new Formula 2 feeder category for Formula 1". autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. 20 March 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
- Simmons, Marcus (9 January 2015). "F2 to be Domenicalli's focus". autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
- "New Super Licence points system from 2016". Formula1.com. 6 January 2015. Archived from the original on 8 January 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
- Howard, Tom (10 March 2017). "GP2 Series renamed FIA Formula 2". speedcafe.com. Retrieved 10 March 2017.