New GP3-replacing FIA Formula 3 Championship car revealed

The new Formula 1 support category is being formed as the current FIA Formula 3 European championship and the GP3 Series are merging together for 2019, with the aim of simplifying the junior single-seater ladder.

As predicted by Autosport, the car - a Dallara chassis - is based on the current GP3 machine, featuring a 3.4-litre naturally aspirated Mecachrome engine and six-speed Hewland gearbox.

The car, which has an expected top speed of 186mph, has a new front-end "with a range of suspension set-up possibilities" according to a statement from the championship.

It also features a steel halo and anti-intrusion side panels as part of a push to improve safety.

Its sister Formula 2 series introduced the halo earlier this year and it was tested in competition properly for the first time in an incident where Tadasuke Makino claimed it saved his life.

Like the current GP3 car, the new machine will have virtual safety car technology.

The aerodynamics have been "optimised to facilitate overtaking", an area that has been praised in regards to the new F2 car.

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"Our focus was to provide a safe and challenging car which will enable close racing and encourage overtaking," said F3 series boss Bruno Michel.

"When designing this car, we also kept in mind cost effectiveness in order to limit operational costs for the teams, but also deliver an attractive package.

"I am very confident that this car, which matches the FIA Formula 3 2019 safety standards, will deliver great racing and provide the fans with high-quality entertainment.

"It is the perfect tool for young drivers to make their way up the motorsport ladder with the goal to graduate to F2 and ultimately, hopefully, race in F1."

The FIA's F1 safety director Charlie Whiting added: "F3 has a long and rich history, and to see it become a regular part of grands prix weekends is the start of an exciting new chapter.

"The category will continue to prepare and educate young drivers, giving them the best possible opportunity to achieve their ambitions.

"We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the promoter and Formula 1, and we are proud to unveil this impressive new car alongside them."

Testing of the new car has already began - an initial run on October 11 took place at a French racing school near Magny-Cours, before two weeks of testing on the former F1 track.

The series is planning more tests to "ensure that a reliable car will be delivered to the teams".

The first car for each team will be delivered in mid-January, followed by their second and third machines in February.

There will be an initial group shake-down in February - with one car per team allowed to participate - for drivers to acclimatise to the new machinery.

A total of 10 three-car squads have been chosen to compete in the series next year.