The debut series of Formula Regional racecars will be officially known as the AU3 Championship ahead of its inaugural season starting in May at Phillip Island.

The rebrand marks an exciting new chapter for the series with a renewed focus on delivering an affordable, competitive platform for aspiring drivers in Australia, as well as providing genuine pathways to European teams, with new series partner, Hillspeed, also being announced.

The rebrand is a collaborative effort between the promoters Tim Macrow Racing and Motorsport Australia, designed to both keep the category cost-effective and also align it with other prestigious series like GB3 in England, a series responsible for producing F1 drivers such as Lando Norris, George Russell and most recently Oliver Bearman.

“It’s really exciting to provide a proper pathway locally and to give drivers relevant experience at the fraction of the cost,” Tim Macrow said.

“The rebranding is an effort to streamline that pathway and to make Australian motorsport as cohesive as possible.”

AU3 will feature the current generation of FIA certified Tatuus Formula Regional cars, enabling all current spec cars including Toyota and Alfa Romeo variants available in Australia to compete.

Building on the successful model of the UK’s GB3 Championship, AU3 aims to provide valuable opportunities for Australian drivers to develop their skills locally and potentially advance to European motorsport competition.

The overall winner of the AU3 Championship will win a multi-day test package with GB3 powerhouse and AU3 partner, Hillspeed, valued at over AUD$35,000. Hillspeed is also providing a subsidised test package for the series runner-up, contributing to a total championship prize pool exceeding AUD$60,000.

“The prizes through our partner Hillspeed in the UK are super exciting and is exactly what aspiring Australian drivers need to further their career,” Macrow added.

The AU3 Championship is also committed to fostering growth within the motorsport industry by expanding its pathways program. Beyond providing opportunities for drivers, AU3 is offering placements for students in media, marketing, mechanical, engineering, and other fields, giving aspiring professionals hands-on experience in high level motorsport. The championship is partnering with universities and the Formula SAE program to offer mentorship, education, and career-building opportunities across multiple disciplines.

In addition to the launch of AU3, Tim Macrow Racing is also running three F4 cars in the newly rebranded AU4 Championship, providing kids as young as 14 the opportunity to work their way up the motorsport ladder here on Australian soil.

The opening round of the AU3 Championship will be held at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from 16-18 May 2025.

For more information about the series, please contact: racing@au3championship.com.au

2025 AU3 Championship Calendar

Round 1: Phillip Island, Victoria: May 16-18
Round 2: One Raceway, Goulburn NSW: June 28-29
Round 3: Sandown Raceway, Victoria: July 25-27
Round 4: Winton Raceway, Victoria: August 22-24
Round 5: The Bend Motorsport Park, SA: September 20-22
Round 6: Venue to be confirmed