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The World Motor Sport Council has approved the planned creation of a new Formula 2 series under the guidance of the FIA in a bid to improve junior motorsport.

A revival of the old F2 championship was first mooted back in January when the FIA confirmed a new points system for obtaining super licences required to race in Formula 1.

The scheme contained a “future FIA F2 championship” that was given greater weight than any other junior series, and was worth 1.5 times as the FIA World Endurance Championship and IndyCar.

Following the latest World Motor Sport Council meeting in Geneva earlier this week, progress appears to have been made, with the body giving its approval to the proposed series.

“The WMSC has approved the creation of a new FIA F2 Championship, aimed at bridging the gap between F3 and F1 and completing the single seater ladder,” a statement following the meeting read.

“As a consequence, a detailed project will be submitted to the WMSC in July and a call for expression of interest is planned to be launched with regard to the promotion of this championship as soon as possible.”

F2 was last held back in 2012 under the control of British firm MotorSport Vision, run by former F1 driver Jonathan Palmer. It had only returned in 2009 as a cost-effective means of racing, but made little impact and was cancelled after just four seasons.

However, it now appears that the FIA is looking to give the series a proper revival. By giving the championship such a heavy points weighting in the super licence stakes as well, it is likely to be popular for many drivers looking to make the step to F1, thus achieving the remit set.

In other junior racing news, the WMSC also agreed to investigate the viability of holding an FIA Formula 3 Middle East Cup in 2016 to complement the European championship.

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