Formula 2 and Formula 3 to revert to two-race format from 2022
Over the course of the Russian Grand Prix weekend, the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 promoters, together with the FIA, announced that the two series will revert to the two-race weekend format as of 2022.
For this year, the series had been separated in a bid to save teams money, but the changes were criticised as the schedule has featured long gaps between race meetings. Moreover, both series switched to a three-race weekend format, which enabled the organisers to cut the number of race weekends while maintaining the number of races. That was motivated by cost saving as teams could spare travelling costs with the reduction of race meetings.
The series has now announced that each round of both Championships will include one Free Practice, one Qualifying session and 2 races from next year. The number of events for both F2 and F3, which will all take place alongside Formula 1, will be announced in due course.
Furthermore, Formula 3 will race alongside Formula 2 from 2022, following a season of racing at separate events that have comprised one Free Practice, one Qualifying session, and 3 races in 2021.
Additionally, for both Championships, the Qualifying results will decide the Starting grid of the Sunday race. The starting grid of the Saturday race will be determined by reversing the Top 10 of Friday’s F2 Qualifying results and by reversing the Top 12 of Friday’s F3 Qualifying results.
⚡️ @OscarPiastri extends his championship lead ⚡️
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) September 26, 2021
The fight for P2 is hotting up, too! 🔥#RussianGP #F2 pic.twitter.com/wXAiEBhvyf
Commenting on the announcement, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “We are pleased to announce the changes to the weekend format for Formula 2 and 3 for next season and I am grateful to Bruno and the teams for their efforts to make this happen. The 2021 season has been hugely exciting and the talent on display in both Championships is incredible.
"We want to ensure all our fans get the maximum entertainment during a race weekend and bringing the Championships back together in 2022 will provide more racing action during our events and ensure our fans have activity that will keep them engaged and excited.”
FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 CEO Bruno Michel said: “I am pleased to reveal the changes to our sporting regulations which have been approved by the World Motor Sport Council.
“It’s fantastic to be able to move the [F2] Feature Race to Sunday which is the day of the Formula 1 Grand Prix. It will enhance the show for the fans and will make it even more special.
“Having two reverse grids on Saturday will spice up the championship even further. We have seen already how entertaining these races are. It should also allow more drivers to showcase their skills in front of the Formula 1 paddock and the rest of the world,” Michel concluded.
