Formula Regional Australia becomes "AU3" in British tie-up

The Tim Macrow-backed Formula Regional series due to launch this year in Australia will run under the "AU3" banner in a tie-up with the British GB3 series.

Previously planned as the "Formula Regional Australia" series and running FIA-certified Tatuus Formula Regional cars, the series will now build upon the model of the GB3 championship to provide better value to Australian drivers.

"It’s really exciting to provide a proper pathway locally and to give drivers relevant experience at the fraction of the cost," said Tim Macrow 

"The rebranding is an effort to streamline that pathway and to make Australian motorsport as cohesive as possible."

Along with the rebranding, the series will now offer a multi-day test package with GB3 team Hillspeed, valued at over $35,000 for the series winner, as well as a subsidised test for the runner-up.

"The partnership we’ve established with the newly rebranded AU3 Championship is very exciting, and we’re delighted to be able to offer the significant prize package we’ve announced," said Richard Ollerenshaw, team principal at Hillspeed.

"Australia has long produced some outstanding racing drivers, and with AU3 following a similar path to GB3 I’m certain the championship will be a huge success."

This year GB3 introduces a near car, modelled on the current spec Formula 1 and FIA Formula 2 cars with more rounded bodywork.

Macrow said "it’s really exciting to provide a proper pathway locally and to give drivers relevant experience."

"The prizes through our partner Hillspeed in the UK are super exciting, and is exactly what aspiring Australian drivers need to further their career."

It is yet to be seen if the series will earn any FIA Super Licence points for drivers, crucial for a future in open-wheel motorsport series. The GB3 series does award points to the top five in the championship each year, but these are less than equivalent FIA Formula Regional series or even Formula 4, due to the FIA's preference for drivers to remain in their accredited series.

Macrow also says he will run three cars in the new AU4 championship.

The six-round AU3 series begins at Phillip Island from 16-18 May, with five rounds across the country and a planned final round in New Zealand.