Formula Regional Australia (FRA) has been given the go-ahead by Motorsport Australia to run in 2025, as a way to create a stronger pathways program for junior racers on home soil.

To be run by the current promoter of Giti Australian Formula Open – and a three-time F3 champion – Tim Macrow has confirmed a new alliance with an international Formula Regional organiser, with both series sharing cars and technical support between the two countries. 

The partnership will see the current-spec Tatuus cars ship to Australia in February, compete in Australia as part of FRA before returning to overseas by October in preparation for a new racing season.

While the majority of cars will come from overseas, two Tatuus T318 cars are already in Australia owned by Tim Macrow Racing – one being run this year in AFO3 by Chris Huang – while other FR cars globally will also be eligible to enter. Technical advisors will also be supplied by the respective engine manufacturers will support the Australian championship teams and competitors.

Formula Regional racing is the second step on the FIA’s Global Pathway for single-seater categories. It was launched in 2018 with the first series in Asia and North America, followed by the European series in 2019 and the Japanese series in 2020.

In Australia, FRA will provide a new opportunity for drivers coming from Giti AFO and F4 series to develop their career at the highest level while still at a reasonable cost, and without the need to go overseas first. It also cements a commitment for safer open-wheel racing in Australia in line with Motorsport Australia’s Safety First Policy.

With a modern state-of-the-art Tatuus chassis, the latest FIA safety features including the halo, and at least two eligible engines will make FRA the first FR championship with multiple makes of engines permitted.

FRA aims to prepare drivers for global Formula Regional Championships, FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, and USF2000 or IndyPro200. Local teams already expressing interest include Tim Macrow Racing, Volante Rosso, Gilmour Racing and Team BRM. FR teams from Asia have also expressed a keenness to be part of the inaugural season in 2025 including Australian outfit EvansGP.

While the current F3 cars competing in Giti AFO will not be eligible to race in the new FRA championship, there are a vast number of series across that country that they can compete and AFO organisers are assisting teams with this transition. An Invitational class will also form part of the FRA platform for earlier generation Formula Regional and Toyota Racing Series (TRS) racecars, like the FT-50 currently competing in AFO2.

Further category information including calendar and entry fee structure will be available in the coming weeks. To register interest please email [email protected]

ABOUT THE FORMULA REGIONAL AUSTRALIA CAR 

The Tatuus FR race car features all the key recent safety initiatives developed by the FIA in conjunction with Formula One. The design incorporates a ‘halo’ driver protection system to protect the driver from side, top and frontal impact from debris in an accident and also features the very latest in side and front impact technology in the chassis itself

• CHASSIS Monocoque carbon, FIA, F3 Manufactured by Tatuus SRL, Milan, Italy
• ENGINE Toyota 8AR-FTS, two-litre, turbocharged, direct injection, 285hp / ATM AR-F3R – 270hp, 1742cc, 4-cylinder turbocharged Alfa Romeo 1750 TBi
• ELECTRONICS ECU and data acquisition by MoTeC
• GEARBOX Sadev SL-R 82 six speed gearbox with LSD and Magneti
  Marelli, paddle shift gear change
• SAFETY ‘Halo’ driver protection system, Side pod cones & Front anti intrusion panel 
• FRONT & REAR SUSPENSION Double wishbone with pushrods
• DAMPERS SupaShock 2 Way Adjustable
• BRAKE DISCS Brembo Calipers, TM Discs & Brembo Pads
• WHEEL RIMS Front: Aluminium 10″ x 13″/ Rear: Aluminium 12″ x 13″
• TYRES Giti Tyres Australia (specifications TBC)
• WEIGHT 690kg approx (with driver)