The mashup of single-seater series into the old rank

[Mekola]

About 1966, it was determined, by FIA rules, that formula racing was distributed in four ranks of formula racing series:
- Formula 1
- Formula 2
- Formula 3
- Formula 4

But since the income of Formula 3000 to replace European F2 in 1985 and the replacement of Formula 4 to the Formula (automaker brand) in several European and American countries, made a kind of confussion about the stepping series. Formula 1 was only one and it was clear, also somehow the national and continental Formula 3 were, but F2-class and F4-class different series, or the series what supposed to claim that status, started to be blurred.

The income of one-make F2-spec series since F3000 itself in 1996, followed by all kinds of brief-created spec-formula series (there are several to name all them in this), were a success in the first of the first years, to decay or enter in decadence in the third or fourth year of their existence when the concept was no more a novelty, or after the purpose to see its very first champion(s) made it to Formula 1. You could see this story repeated several times, with several series, over the last twenty years.

The only F2 series that did the exception to this was Formula Nippon, that kept up to 2001 the possibility to see different chassis in the same series, and later allowed two different engine makers to spice up competition.

Now it seems the FIA wants a halt on that confussion, and mash-up the formula ladder back to F1-F2-F3-F4 ranks, as it was half a century ago.

Debate is open about the matter...

[Rob29]

Don't think international F4 started until much more recently?
F2 & F3 evolved from F.Junior in 1964

[Mekola]

In Argentina we're talking about national Formula 4 since late 1960s.
That series was called "Minijuniors" before F4 was stated.

[NaBUru38]

Formula Ford debuted in Britain in 1967.

Formula Renault debuted in France in 1971.

[S griffin]

I remember in the 80s you had F.Ford 1600 and F.Ford 2000. F.Ford 2000 was super ceded by F.Renault. Frankly I don’t like the way every junior category is becoming one make

[Rob29]

Originally Posted by NaBUru38

Formula Ford debuted in Britain in 1967.

Formula Renault debuted in France in 1971.

I think F.Renault was called F.France when it started having provided support race to Monaco GP since 1968

[chunterer]

Originally Posted by S griffin

I remember in the 80s you had F.Ford 1600 and F.Ford 2000. F.Ford 2000 was super ceded by F.Renault. Frankly I don’t like the way every junior category is becoming one make

Hmm Renault 2.0 had the chassis mix like Super Ford did, but in terms of true level I thought FVL was the real replacement for FR.

One make is poor, indeed but I guess it maintains more element of control over things that used to be very variable in quality!

[S griffin]

And FVL supported the F1 calendar, which FBMW Europe later did