Formula A was originally set up to replace the ailing Australian Formula 3 Championship, and was designed to cater for practically any wings-and-slicks open-wheelers outside of Formula 4 running in the country.

However, shortly before its summer/winter series was set to kick off organisers announced that the series was cancelled due to a lack of competitor interest.

The gap left by Formula A will now be filled by the Australian Formula 3 Premier Series, which will primarily be for Formula 3 machinery but will also allow other open-wheelers such as Formula 1000, Formula Renault, and Toyota Racing Series cars.

The category will be run by Formula 3 Management, which formerly ran the Australian F3 Championship, and will kick-start a six-round calendar at Winton in the middle of April.

“The new structure was formalised with input from key F3 team owners and participants to ensure that top level open-wheeler racing not only survives in Australia, but will expand in the future,” said series spokesman Mike Drewer.

“Formula 3 is a vital component of the pathway for talented young drivers whether their aspirations be directed to professional motorsport nationally or internationally.”

The calendar starts at Winton on April 13-16, before rounds at Morgan Park in Queensland (May 19-21), Mallala in South Australia (June 9-11), Sydney Motorsport Park (July 1-2), Queensland Raceway (September 15-17) and Wakefield Park in New South Wales (October 20-22).