MotorSport Vision, promoter of the FIA Formula 2 championship, have launched a new junior open-wheel series in conjunction with the British Racing Drivers' Club. The UK-based category, titled the BRDC Formula 4 Championship, to be launched in 2013.
It will use identical cars built around a Ralph Firman-designed chassis, although it will not be centrally run, with teams and private entrants buying and running their own chassis. Teams will be restricted to a maximum of four chassis.
Eight events, each featuring three races, are planned for the inaugural season, which will include visits to the Silverstone and Brands Hatch Grand Prix tracks. In addition, the championship is scheduled to run on the support bill of both the DTM and selected F3/GT events.
MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer predicted the championship would re-energize the UK's motorsports scene.
"It is clear that British motorsport needs a new single-seater championship that really attracts the young talent of today," he said. "At MSV we have used all of our considerable experience and judgment to launch what I think is a compelling package which I believe will re-energise this sector of motor racing.
"We are in an era of relative austerity, which looks like continuing for some years, and it is essential we provide young single-seater drivers with an affordable path to learn and prove themselves."
BRDC president Derek Warwick added: "The BRDC Formula 4 Championship gives us exactly what our sport is missing; reliability, slicks, wings, good horsepower and affordability."