British F3 classes

[SamHH]

What's the difference between the championship, national and invitational classes in the British formula three championship?

[andy97]

British F3 chassis regs run in 3 year cycles (I think). So, the Championship class is for the "newest" generation of cars and the engine choice is free; the National class is for chassis that are of the previous design iteration (and they have a fixed engine choice in the Mugen Honda) and I don't think that there is an "Invitation Class".

[SamHH]

Ah, I see. So the national class is cheaper than the championship class?

As for the invitation class, I think that's what the "I" means here:

www.fota.co.uk/results.php

I guessed that it is a class for for occasional drivers so that they don't take points away from drivers in the other championships. Am I near the mark?

[andy97]

I guess that the National Class should be cheaper - second hand cars and spec engines. As for the I in the Thruxton results list then I have not seen that before but your guess could be correct; perhaps its because they are not registered for the championship?

[mutley]

National Class is for chassis over a year old (ie in '06 for '05 cars)
Championship is for latest cars.
Invitational is for Invited racers from other F3 championships.

[andy97]

mutley said:

National Class is for chassis over a year old (ie in '06 for '05 cars)
Championship is for latest cars....

I have just checked the F3 regs on the BRSCC website and I don't agree. The regs state clearly that National Class cars are chassis built in 2002, 03 & 04 only and fitted with Neil Brown Mugen engines of a fixed specification and ECU.

I tried to cut and paste the relevant info but couldn't!

[mutley]

Not read the regs for 2006, but you verify my point. National Class cars are not current builds.

What is interesting is that there is no scope in the 2006 regs to run a 2005 spec car.

[andy97]

I think that we both agree with each other! Its certainly what I meant when I said that the National Class cars are of the previous "design iteration".
The current Championship Class cars will presumably run on into 2007 (due to the 3 year cycle I mentioned earlier) and will then step down to be the mainstay of the national class in 2008.

ie In 2008, the Championship class will have brand new cars in it and the National class cars will be 1-3 years old.

[macsport]

BF3 Invitation Class is also open to drivers who have exceeded the F3 test limits. Basil Shaaban, Leo and Greg Mansell fall into this category. Invitation class can be championship or national spec cars.

Edited by macsport on Thursday 19th October 09:00

[SamHH]

Thanks for all the info guys.

[Marc W]

You also get drivers who have been in F3 previously in the invitaional class. Danny Watts rejoined the series at thruxton to try and help his team win the championship. He had been working for the team as a driver coach all year. (As well as competeting in most of the Porsche Carrera cup GB.)