OCTOBER 1, 2001

Reviving Formula 3000

THERE are plans for the FIA International Formula 3000 championship to be given a little more zing with the introduction of mandatory pit stops under discussion. The series will be getting a completely new chassis design from Lola in 2002 which will mark the first major change in specification since the series became a one-make championship in 1996.

The pit stop proposal would see teams having to change either two or four wheels between designated point of the race. The reaction to the idea has been mixed with some team owners arguing that it is a good idea as drivers have to know about pit stops when they move up to Formula 1, CART or IRL so it makes sense for them to learn. Others argue that the series should remain untainted by what is seen as a commercially-inspired rule.