The Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda added another monumental event to 2017, extending its six-event schedule to seven to conclude at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, Oct. 20-22.
This will be the first time that F4 U.S. cars have appeared alongside the F1® cars as a supporting race which is a major boost for the FIA’s United States’ junior open-wheel series.
“The addition of the F4 U.S. Championship to the USA Grand Prix weekend signifies our place as one of the primary destinations for young drivers who have karting or other racing experience and wish to refine those skills, both on- and off-track,” said SCCA Pro Racing Vice President Steve Oseth. “This series is only in its second season, and has seen significant growth as we are expecting 35 cars at our finale. We are thankful that Formula One Management Limited has afforded us the opportunity to bring our series and announce our second champion at the F1® event.”
F4 U.S. was previously scheduled to end its season with the FIA World Endurance Championship at COTA in September. That event will now serve as a prelude to the season championship in October.
The F4 U.S. schedule will include one practice, one qualifying session and two races which will be held in between F1® practice and qualifying sessions.
“Motorsports competition is at the core of the Honda brand and having the Honda powered F4 U.S. Championship join the Formula 1 event in Texas is an excellent demonstration of that commitment,” said T.E. McHale, Manager, American Honda Motorsports Communications.
The F4 U.S. cars are powered by the Honda Civic Type-R engine, detuned to meet F4 specifications, which provides a reliable, powerful and economical motor to ensure affordable competition throughout the season.
"Last year's successful inaugural F4 U.S. Championship season demonstrated the need for a competitive and affordable open-wheel development series," said Art St. Cyr, President, Honda Performance Development. "Honda and HPD are pleased to participate in the amazing growth in the 2017 season, and joining the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at COTA shows the growing prestige of the F4 Championship."
The SCCA Pro series is part of worldwide FIA F4, using the USA manufactured Onroak Automotive Crawford F4-16 car.
“This a huge accomplishment for SCCA Pro to get the final race of the F4 U.S. Championship race at the USA Grand Prix,” General Manager of Onroak Automotive North America Max Crawford said. “The FIA has promoted F4 as a stepping stone to Formula 1, and this is a great opportunity for the F4 drivers to race in front of the F1® teams.”
Each F4 car is equipped with four PZero Pirelli tires. To contain costs, competitors are allotted eight tires per three-race weekend to use from qualifying to the last race.
"As the successful sole supplier of tires to both the F1® Championship and F4 U.S. Championship, Pirelli is glad to see current and future motorsports champions join together at this event," said Rafael Navarro, Pirelli Tire North America Vice President of Communications and Media Relations.
The top-three Championship point leaders will be awarded more than $40,000 in total cash prizes during the annual F4 U.S. Champions’ Banquet following the F1® race on Sunday, Oct. 22.
Last year, the 2016 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix broke COTA records with more than 269,000 people from all around the world in attendance, setting the stage for F4 U.S. drivers to compete in front of their largest live audience to date.
For more information on F4 U.S. joining F1® at COTA, visit F4USChampionship.com.
