FIA Regional powers into new era with Alpine
The FIA single-seater ladder toward the top level of motor sport is further strengthened today with the announcement that the Formula Regional European Championship – certified by FIA, organised by the FIA national sporting authority, the Automobile Club d’Italia, is to merge with Formula Renault Eurocup to create an all-new competition – Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine – certified by FIA. The new championship will see the organiser, ACI, together with its commercial arm ACI Sport as promoter, partner with legendary French sports car brand Alpine to create a single benchmark for young drivers graduating from their first experience of single-seater racing in national FIA-certified Formula 4 championships.
The new championship will not only afford competitors the opportunity to race in technologically advanced machinery that boosts their understanding of car set-up, vehicle dynamics and team working, but will also give competitors the chance to race internationally. Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine - certified by FIA will feature 10 events of two races per weekend, with three events set to take place in Italy and seven more being staged across Europe. The grid of a maximum of 36 cars in maximum three-car teams, and the possibility of an additional fourth in case of female driver, will be powered by a 1.8-litre Renault engine, feature chassis by Tatuus and Pirelli tyres. New cars will be built in the racing department atthe Alpine factory of Dieppe.
FIA President Jean Todt said: “The establishment of a new Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, certified by FIA, is another significant step in refining the pathway to the pinnacle of motor sport, Formula 1. It joins the Formula Regional Championships in the Americas, Asia and Japan to form a global platform for young racing talent to progress their motor sport career. I would like to thank Renault, Alpine and ACI for making this merger possible and I look forward to seeing the champions of the future racing in what is sure to be a thrilling new championship.”
Stefano Domenicali, President of the FIA Single Seater Commission said: “This merger and the creation of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine and Certified by FIA adds even greater focus to the FIA’s pathway to the top levels of motor racing. A consolidation of Formula Regional in Europe means that graduates from Formula 4 can learn and grow in a strongly supported, robust and, perhaps most importantly, a competitive environment. Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine - certified by FIA gives them a clear next step on the ladder towards their dream of one day racing in Formula 1.”
FIA Vice-President and ACI President Angelo Sticchi Damiani said: “After having been in 2014 the first country to launch the Formula 4 championship, that with the Italian F4 Championship powered by Abarth has become the point of reference for young drivers as the first step after karting towards F1, once again the Automobile Club d’Italia, through ACI Sport, has been key in the definition of a series that perfectly fits the path defined by FIA for the growth of the talents of international motor sport. The Formula Regional European Championship, the series that 2 years ago has been certified by FIA, represents an absolutely strategic and particularly recommended step for young drivers also as natural continuation of their experience in F4. Today, with the important come together of strengths and synergies between ACI, ACI Sport and Groupe Renault, Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine becomes by all means the international point of reference as step towards F1. My wish and belief is that all parts will put together the best professionality and manpower to make the championship grow and support at best all the great talents of today, so to be able to watch them compete tomorrow in the fantastic arena of F1.”
Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director Renault Sport Racing said: “For more than 50 years, Renault’s action in favour of young drivers has been unparalleled, as well as the know-how of our teams in organising competitive and affordable single-seater championships for talent-spotting and development of future champions. We are therefore particularly pleased with this agreement with the FIA and the ACI which means the creation of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine. This agreement strengthens our activities and we are honoured to be able to contribute directly to a FIA championship that will continue to carry the values we are all strongly committed to, race format, sports equity, training and promotion of young European talent. It is also the first concrete marker of the return of the Alpine brand in the world of single-seaters.”
Mario Isola, Pirelli Head of F1 and Car racing said: “We’re really be pleased to be part of this project as exclusive tyre supplier. Formula Regional by Alpine – certified by FIA, fits in perfectly with our motor sport strategy, as we are already involved in Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3 and Formula 4. Now, with Formula Regional by Alpine, we can extend our long-held philosophy of helping young drivers make their way up in the sport. This means that drivers can become familiar with our tyre range right from their first experiences in motor sport, all the way up to the most prominent global categories.”