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FIA sets out framework for Formula 2

The FIA's proposed Formula 2 Championship is to take the form of a one-make arrive-and-drive category, the sport's governing body has indicated after announcing on Saturday that it has launched the tender process for the series

In a statement on the FIA's website, the governing body invited manufacturers to pitch for an exclusive three-year deal to supply the cars from 2009 onwards.

Doubts had been raised by several team principals from current feeder formulas about containing costs to the specified target figure of €200,000, but the FIA appears to have got around this by transferring the cost to the manufacturer, which would receive 20% of each car's bodywork space to advertise its brand.

"The selected tenderer will be responsible not only for the design, production and transportation of a sufficient number of race-ready and technically identical cars to each event and official testing but also for all maintenance and repair work on those cars throughout the season," the FIA said in a separate 74-page tender document.

"It will also be responsible for supplying all fuel, tyres and other consumables, all spare parts and for providing a number of technical personnel to support the competitors at events and official testing.

"It is envisaged that competitors would be responsible for the cost of replacing parts damaged as a result of racing accidents."

The successful constructor would also be responsible for producing the identical 400bhp machines, which would be supplied to teams for six tests and 10 two-day weekend events during a European-based season.

After each event the cars would be returned to the constructor and teams then draw lots to find out which chassis they receive at the next event.

Each event would include one hour of free practice, one hour of qualifying and one race of approximately 175km, although this format could change into a heats/final system if more than 26 entries are received for the series.

The FIA's proposed category, which has been seen as a direct rival to the Renault-powered GP2 Series, would allow for two-car teams. But entries would have to be for the full season rather than on a race-by-race basis.

The FIA is even considering allowing the successful vendor to include its name in the championship's title.

The governing body also indicated that the engines, the specifications of which remain undetermind other than that they need to be of a four-stroke nature, would need to be capable of lasting a full season.

"It is hoped that the cost to a competitor of competing in the championship for a calendar year - to include full participation in all official testing and events - could be in the region of €200,000 per car, though no minimum or maximum price is indicated in this tender," read the statement.

All bids must be submitted by August 29, and the successful applicant will then be notified by September 8.

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