Brit F3: Reverse grid part of 2010 rule changes

The British F3 International Series will feature reverse grids and a new points system in 2010.

The series has published its new sporting regulations which also include different length races and a single 30-minute qualifying session. The new regulations are subject to FIA approval.

While race 1 will remain a 30 minute event, while race 2 will be a 20-minute sprint offering half points and to be decided by a partly-reversed grid based on the finishing positions of the previous race. Each weekend’s third and final race will be a 40-minute affair with grids decided by each driver’s fastest time in qualifying.

"This is the single biggest change to the format of British Formula 3 since the twin-race concept was introduced in the 1990s," said Bernadette Fitzsimons, general manager of championship promoter SRO Motorsports Group, "and we are delighted with the initiative - which came from the teams themselves.

"The reverse-grid sprint race will, I am sure, prove a real crowd-pleaser, and it will provide a chance for drivers who might not otherwise come too close to the podium to get up there. And the 40-minute feature race will offer a great chance of success to those drivers who have looked after their machinery and their tyres during the course of the race weekend; it should provide some fascinating results.

"The most important aspect, however, is the additional race start experience that competitors will gain as a result of the expansion to 30 races in one season. It will, I am sure, prove invaluable in their future careers."

The new format in detail

Qualifying: A single 30-minute official qualifying session

Race 1: 30-minute duration. Grid established by competitors' second-fastest times in qualifying. Full points awarded, ie 20-15-12-10-8-6-4-3-2-1 to the top 10 in the International and National classes, with an additional point for the fastest race lap in each class

Race 2: 20-minute duration. Grid established by the finishing order of Race 1, with the best-placed cars in reverse order. The Race 1 victor will perform a podium draw to determine where on the grid he will start - anywhere between sixth and 10th. Points for this race will be awarded on a reduced scale: 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 to the top 10 in the International and National classes, but there will be an additional two points awarded for the fastest race lap in each class

Race 3: 40-minute duration. Grid established by competitors' fastest times in qualifying. Full points awarded, as per Race 1

Watch the British F3 International Series on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413, Virgin Media 545) in 2010.


Andy Wilkinson