GP2 Series applies to FIA to run the new Formula 2 championship

A revived F2 category is the next step in the FIA Single-Seater Commission's push to streamline the Formula 1 feeder categories, following the rise of the Formula 3 European Championship and the introduction of a global Formula 4 system.

The new F2 has been given top billing in the new points-based superlicence system to be introduced next year.

AUTOSPORT revealed in April that GP2 organisers were interested in their series becoming F2.

Friday's meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Mexico did not result in a firm announcement about the nature of F2, despite commission chief Stefano Domencali's hope that the concept would be in place by now.

But a statement said GP2 was in contention to promote the series and that discussions were continuing.

"The WMSC acknowledged an update in the call for expression of interest related to the creation of the new F2 Championship; the intended final step in the FIA single-seater ladder to Formula 1," it said.

"The FIA has received an offer from GP2 Series Limited to be appointed as the promoter of the championship, and discussions are ongoing with the aim being to secure the best possible FIA F2 Championship."

GP2 has run on the F1 support bill since it supplanted the FIA's fading Formula 3000 series - which in itself had superseded the original F2 championship in 1985 - 10 years ago.

It currently shares its status as the final step to F1 with Formula Renault 3.5.