F4 - Greater options for Australian Teams in 2017

More flexibility in vehicle ownership and an expanded test day calendar are just some of the new initiatives to be implemented for the 2017 CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship

Over the last two seasons, competitors in the CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship have leased vehicles within a fleet purchased by CAMS in 2015. The lease option will remain, however a limited amount of cars will now be available to be purchased outright for operations to compete in the series.

Competitors that opt to lease a car and have it prepared by a professional team can expect running costs at approximately $165,000, with a CAMS Driver Development Grant reducing this cost to approximately $126,000.

“We are constantly looking at ways to make Australian Formula 4 an affordable championship for people to compete in. This alternative model is just one way of doing that,” said Michael Smith, General Manager – Motor Sport, CAMS.

“Purchasing a car outright is perhaps a more attractive prospect for single car teams, or those who want to own an asset such as a Formula 4 car as an alternative model to compete in our championship.”

Formula 4 vehicles purchased outright will only be permitted for use in the CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship.

The amount of test days permitted will also be doubled in 2017. Teams will now have access to six pre-season test days, with teams to individually nominate a test venue. During the season, there will be a further six test days available at any CAMS licenced venue.

This compares to only six test days, and two bonus rookie days, in total this season.

Expressions of Interest are also now open for professional race teams interested in joining Australian Formula 4 next season and to be an accredited team to field a CAMS Foundation Rising Star car.

Applications for Rising Star teams close on Friday 18 November, with an application form available for download by clicking this link here.

The CAMS Foundation recently relaunched the CAMS Foundation Rising Star program, where up to four drivers will be eligible for scholarships valued at $50,000 to compete in the 2017 CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship.

Up to eight drivers will also be eligible for CAMS Driver Development Grants valued up to $38,500, with current 2016 recipients given the first right to reapply for the 2017 season.

“We certainly encourage anybody who is looking at Formula 4 in next season to get in touch with us, and we will provide as much support and information as possible to help drivers make that step from karting or state level racing into Formula 4,” Smith said.

A final calendar for the 2017 season will soon be confirmed, with rounds to be run across Virgin Australia Supercars Championship and Shannons Nationals meetings.

Interested parties looking to take part in the 2017 CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship can email formula4@cams.com.au