The biggest change you’re likely to notice on 2018’s
Formula One single-seaters will be the incorporation of the new “halo” cockpit
safety device. But F1 won’t be the only series to get it. The latest to adopt
the device is the F3 Asian Championship, just revealed by the FIA. It joins the
new F3 Americas series that was just announced this past October – also
incorporating the halo – as part of the FIA’s new regional Formula 3 framework.
The new Asian championship has yet to reveal the
suppliers for its chassis, engine, and tires. However the regulations call for
a 270-horsepower turbocharged engine. The American series uses the 2.0-liter
turbo four from the Honda Civic Type R in a Ligier Crawford JS chassis built by
Onroak in North Carolina.
The series is expected to draw talent from Formula 4
championships in China and South East Asia, offering a stepping stone to
Formula 2. Points earned in the championship will count towards the Super
License required to compete in Formula One as well.
The championship kicks off at Sepang in Malaysia for
the first official test July 9-10, followed by the first three races at the
same circuit. Three more each will be held at Ningbo in China and Shanghai,
before returning for three more at Ningbo and Sepang to culminate in November.
