Welcome to the Australian Formula 3 Championship.

Around the world Formula 3 racing has a reputation for providing the superstars of tomorrow, today.

Formula 3 produces close, exciting racing for affordable budgets to give young drivers and burgeoning teams the chance to excel at the highest level.

In 2008 the Australian Formula 3 championship will undergo revolution that is set to propel everything about it – its competitiveness, affordability, opportunities for career advancement, media exposure and attractiveness to sponsors – into the stratosphere and perhaps beyond.

Never before has Australia’s top Open Wheel ‘wings and slicks’ category been so well positioned to show massive growth in a single year.

The introduction of new cars to Australian soil, the generous provision of prizes unequalled in Australian Motorsport, the appearance at several major Motorsport events and growing international and local recognition places Australian Formula 3 into a level that it has long strived.

In 2008 Formula 3 Australia has developed a package that ideally places it to become the place for young drivers in Australia to develop their talent and exposure – and also for drivers from overseas to hone their skills in racing circumstances significantly more affordable to them than available in Europe.

A partnership with Formula 3 Australia supporter Opes Prime has enabled the series to introduce prizes never before seen in Australian Motorsport.

Thus, the 2008 Championship will offer young drivers unparalleled opportunity for career advancement at little or no cost should they succeed in Australian Formula 3.

Outlined here are many of the concepts and plans implemented for 2008, and a brief history of how the series has got to this point.

We hope you join the thrill ride that will be an Open Wheel Revolution – the 2008 Australian Formula 3 Championship.

Formula 3 Cars

Formula 3 cars are recognised by CAMS, the Confederation of Australian Motorsport, as the premier Open Wheel category in Australia by virtue of their status as the category to crown the Australian Drivers Champion – wherein the winner receives the CAMS Gold Star.

Powered by two-litre engines from manufacturers including Mercedes Benz, Mugen Honda, Spiess Opel and TOMS Toyota, these 550kg cars employ the latest in both technology and safety.

In 2008 the Australian Formula 3 Championship will witness the introduction of the latest generation 2007-specification cars from Europe.

With vehicles being imported from the top European teams (including Carlin Motorsport, Signature, Prema Power team and Swiss Racing) the front of the pack is set to take a decidedly European feel in 2008. In recent years graduates of the Australian Formula 3 Championship include Champ Car star Will Power, A1GP Drivers Ian Dyk and Karl Reindler and V8 Supercar stars Michael Caruso, Marcus Marshall and more.

Over the past two years stars of the series have included Leanne Tander, Tim Macrow, Ben Clucas, Michael Trimble, Charlie Hollings and James Winslow – amongst others who have succeeded in this most competitive championship.

Championship (Gold Star) Class

Highlighted by the bright yellow rear wing strips, the outright class battles for the prestigious Australian Drivers Championship and the Gold Star award.

The Championship, or ‘outright’ class features the latest eligible 2005 – 2007 specification chassis as well as some 2002 – 2004 specification cars that chose not to compete in the National Class competition.

The winner of the class – and therefore the outright championship – receives either $80,000 cash or the chance to negotiate a fully-funded Championship Class drive the following season thanks to F3 sponsor Opes Prime.

National Class

Development is the name of the game in the Opes Prime National Class – look out for these cars on the track thanks to their bright orange rear wing plates.

National Class is the exclusive domain of the 2002 – 2004 F3 chassis and, in a first for 2008, an opportunity to compete on a level playing field with all rivals.

Those choosing to take the new standard-specification Opel Spiess engine, rebuilt and serviced locally by a highly trained F3 engine expert, will share data amongst cars as well as have access to spare parts and engines others may not have.

This package – with more info available by contacting Formula 3 Australia – is the only way National Class entrants can contest for either the $40,000 cash prize or the chance to negotiate a fully-backed Championship Class drive the following season should they top the charts this year.

However, cars with other engines (Mugen Honda or Renault, for example) can still enter the National Class and still win it - however they won’t be able to contest for the significant Opes Prime prizes at stake.

Trophy Class

This is where young drivers can come to learn the ropes at minimum expense and work out just how to drive a Formula 3 car. It’s the home of the 1999 – 2001 specification cars but don’t let their age fool you – a good car with a good driver can still run close to the front. You can pick them thanks to their white 'www.formula3.com.au' rear wing strips.