A new category will make its debut in 2023, with Australian Formula Open to provide a new opportunity for ‘wings and slicks’ racing across the country.

As part of its introduction into the Motorsport Australia system, Formula 3 cars, Formula Renault / Toyota racers, Formula 4 cars and other 'wings and slicks' racers will compete in one big field designed to provide an opportunity for the owners of these vehicles to race on the national stage, as well as compete for some impressive prizes.

The Australian Formula Open series will compete at the both the SpeedSeries and new for 2023 Motorsport Australia Trophy Series, along with other key events. That includes the first two rounds taking place in March as part of the AGI NSW Formula Race event, as well as the Asian Super Trofeo event at The Bend in June. From there, the series will compete on the Trophy Series at Queensland Raceway on 4-6 August, the SpeedSeries at Sandown in September and then head to Phillip Island for the 2023 Island Magic.

The Australian Racing Group, category managers of S5000, have confirmed the 2023 Australian Formula Open Champion will receive a fully funded test in a Tim Macrow Racing-prepared S5000 and free entry to their first round of any subsequent S5000 campaign.

“We have worked hard to build Australian Formula Open in the last six months and had a successful debut at Phillip Island late last year," said category founder, six-time S5000 winner and Gold Star champion, Tim Macrow.

"Our discussions with ARG were about trying to boost the whole open wheel landscape in Australia so there is a logical progression from one to another.

"It's all operating at under the one banner with Motorsport Australia and there's now a clear pathway from state level open wheel racing right through to major events like the Adelaide 500.

"S5000 has already proved its position as a place where drivers can progress into top level categories anywhere, so going from AFO into that makes all the sense in the world.

"I'm excited to support it via Tim Macrow Racing and we're really pleased ARG has agreed to support the plans with the testing and free entry to the first round as well."

S5000 Category Manager Ben McMellan said the Australian Formula Open racing would provide somewhat of a pathway for prospective S5000 competitors.

"As S5000 continues to establish itself in Australia, creating progression into the category was important," McMellan said.

"Australian Formula Open will be well-run and will give drivers the skills they need to race at the pointy-end in S5000. We're looking forward to working closely with the Australian Formula Open team and Tim to build the relationship this year.

"It's a good thing for open wheel racing in Australia and our aim is to build that moving forward."