Formula Master set to become GP3

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is understood to be in talks with series boss Mauro Sipsz, whose N.Technology outfit has run the one-make series for Honda-powered Tatuus single-seaters on the support package of the World Touring Car Championship for the last two years.

The series is likely to run at F1 rounds where the junior Formula BMW Europe series is not on the bill. Its calendar is expected to expand from eight to ten races with five each at F1 and WTCC events.

One Formula Master team boss, who did not want to be named, told this week's Autosport: "The perception of the series will change if we run on some grand prix weekends. Hopefully it would mean we would get more quality drivers into the series.

"We have a reliable product now so we're ready for this, we all have concerns about cost but hopefully this will not lead to a significant increase."