IFM to introduce new International Formula Master Light
Formula Master (IFM) can confirm its 2010 calendar with 14 races partnering the FIA World Touring Car Championship and live TV coverage from Eurosport until 2012.
Revised regulations will enable drivers to run a full season in the Series (14 races plus 2 testing days) with funds of EUR200,000, whilst a new class, International Formula Master Light, will allow drivers to take part all year with a EUR150,000 budget. Tatuus FR 2.0 single-seaters produced under the manufacturer's 2007-2009 specification will be allowed to enter the 2010 season under the newly-launched International Formula Master Light class.
Changes to the existing Tatuus FR2.0 will include performing Formula 3-sized tyres, whilst teams will be permitted to run drivers as young as 15 years-old. The decision comes as part of a set of changes to boost the Series' sporting value, which also includes cost-saving measures and renders the IFM Series one of the most cost-effective international single-seater series in existence.
Both Main and Light fields will follow the same sporting regulations, calendar and TV broadcast schedule on Eurosport. Races will be shown live on the Eurosport TV platform, with Sunday races broadcasted live on Eurosport International.
A GP2 Main Series testing session for the IFM winning driver is already confirmed, whilst the top 2010 IFM Rookie and the Light class' winning drivers will be awarded a free full season entry in the following year's main Formula Master Series.
"The goal is to make International Formula Master available to drivers that want to demonstrate their talent on a European top-level formula with a budget lower than the new Formula Renault Eurocup or the national Formula 3 championships," said Series Manager Alessandro Alunni Bravi.
"Thanks to the continuous commitment and proactive inputs of our teams, we have been able to introduce cost savings measures and to set up a budget of approximately EUR200,000 for the entire package including the race events and the official testing sessions. "The IFM Series will benefit by being able to draw on a larger pool of drivers, whilst young drivers from non-European countries will find a good opportunity to access a demanding race car with a strong TV platform, thanks to Eurosport, and the possibility to make progress with a limited budget.
"During this year we sought the opinion of many talented drivers who have been unable to show their talent due to the increasing costs of all single-seater categories. From this we have created a cost-effective championship which will meet all their expectations as well as the needs of young drivers who are targeting GP3 or GP2 and want to be well prepared.
"I am very appreciative of the fact that all our teams put so much effort into researching the optimisation of costs, allowing us to present in early September our calendar, new sporting rules and prizes for 2010.
"Furthermore, we are introducing International Formula Master Light, which will run the Tatuus FR 2.0 currently used in the Formula Renault championships. We will offer drivers and teams the opportunity to take part in an international series partnering the FIA WTCC, with live TV coverage and unlimited private testing sessions.
"The budget for the Light season will include two testing days and will cost approximately EUR150,000. I am also pleased to confirm new venues such as Portimao and Zolder. The IFM organisers are convinced to have put in place a good package for the next three years."
International Formula Master & International Formula Master Light 2010 Calendar
Round Date Circuit Country Race
1-2 29-30 May TBA** Italy Race 3-4
19-20 June Zolder Belgium
Race 5-6 3-4 July Algarve Portugal
Race 7-8 17-18 July Brands Hatch Great Britain
Race 9-10 31 July - 1 August Brno Czech Republic
Race 11-12 4-5 September Oschersleben Germany
Race 13-14 18-19 September Valencia* Spain
*subject to the agreement of the ASN concerned**the name of the event will be confirmed in due course
2010 Testing Calendar
Round Date Circuit Country
Testing Day 1 16 June Zolder Belgium Testing
Day 2 30 June Algarve Portugal
Private testing will be unrestricted.
2010 Race weekend format- Friday (afternoon): Free practice 1 x 45 mins - Saturday: Qualifying 1 x 30 mins Race 1 100 km or 45 mins- Sunday: Race 2 75 km or 35 mins
