Max to launch series to go against Bernie’s GP2

UPDATE Rumor has it that the new F2 category being pushed by Max Mosley will run with a 400 HP BMW engine in a Mygale chassis and fit neatly in between F3 and GP2, which of course is where Bernie Ecclestone wants GP3 to lie. Should get interesting.

06/25/08 (GMM) F1's governing body, the FIA, plans to resurrect Formula Two as an inexpensive feeder category in 2009 (to go head-to-head against Bernie Ecclestone's GP2 series).

A statement issued after Wednesday's meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris said it will invite tenders for the new series, which would presumably be run in competition to the Bernie Ecclestone-organized GP2 category.

"Formula Two … would be launched in 2009 and used as an inexpensive platform to develop emerging driver talent for formula one," the statement, issued by the federation headed by president Max Mosley, said.

The FIA said it hoped an F2 season could be funded for about 200,000 euros per car.

Formula Two became Formula 3000 in 1985, and finally GP2 in 2005.

The FIA on Wednesday also revealed that F1 team entry fees for 2009 will be 309,000 euros, a 3 per cent increase over this year, despite earlier suggestions that the fee would be drastically increased.

"The FIA will launch a consultation with the formula one teams for the introduction of further fees to cover improved safety systems and equipment at every grand prix," the statement said.