The ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA is poised to enter a new era next year, with 2022 marking a dramatic shift for the internationally renowned entry-level category for the stars of tomorrow.
Now organised by Motorsport UK, the governing body and membership organisation for UK motorsport, Britain’s FIA Formula 4 series will reach new heights as it ushers in a wave of new changes.
One major change will see adoption of the hugely successful Tatuus-Abarth chassis and engine combination which features a number of notable safety advancements, including the Halo cockpit protection device and strengthened side anti-intrusion panels. Further safety features such as TOCA’s on-board signalling systems will also be included on the 2022 car as well.
The introduction of Pirelli as the category’s tyre supplier will bring the championship in line with its contemporaries around Europe, as well as the rest of the FIA Single-Seater Pathway.
In addition to the 12 FIA Super License points that are up for grabs, the 2022 Champion will receive a funded test in a Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine challenger courtesy of Pirelli.
They will also receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go behind the scenes at a Formula 1 Grand Prix with McLaren, giving them an in-depth insight into life at the sport’s top table.
British F4 has also named ROKiT as its new title sponsor for the forthcoming campaign and they have announced a brand-new Racing Star programme to support two future talents.
The scheme will select 32 participants aged either 14 or 15 years old through the sport’s ever-growing eSports scene, with a further shootout held on state-of-the-art simulators to determine which two drivers – one boy and one girl – will be awarded a fully-funded seat in British F4 for the 2023 season with the FIA Racing Star team, underpinned by Hitech GP.
Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, said: “This is a really significant moment as the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA continues to build towards what will be a ground-breaking year in 2022.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to have everybody together to get an exclusive first-look at the new car in the UK, and also to unveil some of the exciting commercial ties we’ve forged to help enrich the experience for drivers competing in the championship.
“As the entry-level step on the single-seater ladder, it’s absolutely crucial we put together a platform that gives competitors the best opportunity to make meaningful progress through the ranks. Many of these drivers will be aiming for Formula 1, so giving them a championship that allows them to start gathering relevant experience from their first laps in the car is a key element of what we’re building.
“Our vision has always been to grow and develop the series into a global leader, and to kick things off with partnerships alongside the likes of ROKiT, McLaren and Pirelli really gives us a solid grounding on which to build and unveil further incentives in the near future. It also highlights how seriously British F4 is regarded at the highest echelons of the sport.
“We understand that teams are already attracting heavy interest for seats, which is extremely encouraging, and all the signs at this stage points towards a healthy grid to kick off the championship’s new era in 2022.”