Despite having fielded healthy grids all season, and with 18 cars entered for this weekend’s Australian Formula Ford Series round at Sydney Motorsport Park, the Formula Ford Association was told today by CAMS that it will not be given National Series status for 2016.

A one-off Formula Ford Festival event will, however, be allowed by CAMS.

The announcement follows a review run by CAMS, and comes less than a fortnight before the first round of the CAMS-owned and run Formula 4 series.

An entry list for the inaugural Australian Formula 4 Championship is yet to the published, but nine drivers are currently listed on the series's website.

The review also has the Australian Formula 3 Championship under fire, with the series to be allowed to run its national championship in 2016, after which it will also be made a state-only championship.

That would make CAMS's Formula 4 Championship the only open-wheel national series or championship in the country.

“Consistent with the FIA open wheel strategy and after a comprehensive review of other motor racing markets, Formula Ford will continue to be a part of the Australian motor racing framework and development pathway as a category eligible for state competition,” explained the CAMS statement.

“CAMS will also look to assist in the organisation and promotion of an annual Formula Ford Festival and provide significant prizes to the winner.

“Formula 3 will remain as an Authorised Series in 2016 before it moves to state competition whilst CAMS works with the FIA to explore the possibility of a regional Formula 3 Championship.”