International Formula Master confirms 2010-2012 plans 05.09.2009: International Formula Master (IFM) can confirm its 2010 calendar with 14 races partnering the FIA World Touring Car Championship and live TV coverage from Eurosport until 2012.

IFM to introduce new International Formula Master Light



International Formula Master (IFM) can confirm its 2010 calendar with 14 races partnering the FIA World Touring Car Championship and live TV coverage from Eurosport until 2012.

Revised regulations will enable drivers to run a full season in the Series (14 races plus 2 testing days) with funds of €200,000, whilst a new class, International Formula Master Light, will allow drivers to take part all year with a €150,000 budget.

Tatuus FR 2.0 single-seaters produced under the manufacturer's 2007-2009 specification will be allowed to enter the 2010 season under the newly-launched International Formula Master Light class.

Changes to the existing Tatuus FR2.0 will include performing Formula 3-sized tyres, whilst teams will be permitted to run drivers as young as 15 years-old.

The decision comes as part of a set of changes to boost the Series' sporting value, which also includes cost-saving measures and renders the IFM Series one of the most cost-effective international single-seater series in existence.

Both Main and Light fields will follow the same sporting regulations, calendar and TV broadcast schedule on Eurosport. Races will be shown live on the Eurosport TV platform, with Sunday races broadcasted live on Eurosport International.

A GP2 Main Series testing session for the IFM winning driver is already confirmed, whilst the top 2010 IFM Rookie and the Light class' winning drivers will be awarded a free full season entry in the following year's main Formula Master Series.

"The goal is to make International Formula Master available to drivers that want to demonstrate their talent on a European top-level formula with a budget lower than the new Formula Renault Eurocup or the national Formula 3 championships," said Series Manager Alessandro Alunni Bravi.

"Thanks to the continuous commitment and proactive inputs of our teams, we have been able to introduce cost savings measures and to set up a budget of approximately €200,000 for the entire package including the race events and the official testing sessions.

"The IFM Series will benefit by being able to draw on a larger pool of drivers, whilst young drivers from non-European countries will find a good opportunity to access a demanding race car with a strong TV platform, thanks to Eurosport, and the possibility to make progress with a limited budget.

"During this year we sought the opinion of many talented drivers who have been unable to show their talent due to the increasing costs of all single-seater categories. From this we have created a cost-effective championship which will meet all their expectations as well as the needs of young drivers who are targeting GP3 or GP2 and want to be well prepared.

"I am very appreciative of the fact that all our teams put so much effort into researching the optimisation of costs, allowing us to present in early September our calendar, new sporting rules and prizes for 2010.

"Furthermore, we are introducing International Formula Master Light, which will run the Tatuus FR 2.0 currently used in the Formula Renault championships. We will offer drivers and teams the opportunity to take part in an international series partnering the FIA WTCC, with live TV coverage and unlimited private testing sessions.

"The budget for the Light season will include two testing days and will cost approximately €150,000. I am also pleased to confirm new venues such as Portimao and Zolder. The IFM organisers are convinced to have put in place a good package for the next three years."


International Formula Master & International Formula Master Light 2010 Calendar

Race 1-2    29-30 May           TBA**            Italy
Race 3-4    19-20 June           Zolder            Belgium
Race 5-6    3-4 July               Algarve           Portugal
Race 7-8    17-18 July            Brands Hatch   Great Britain
Race 9-10   31 July - 1 August Brno              Czech Republic
Race 11-12 4-5 September      Oschersleben  Germany
Race 13-14 18-19 September   Valencia*       Spain


*subject to the agreement of the ASN concerned
**the name of the event will be confirmed in due course


2010 Testing Calendar
Round               Date        Circuit   Country
Testing Day 1   16 June   Zolder    Belgium
Testing Day 2   30 June   Algarve   Portugal

Private testing will be unrestricted.


2010 Race weekend format
- Friday (afternoon):  Free practice  1 x 45 mins 
- Saturday:              Qualifying  1 x 30 mins 
                              Race 1  100 km or 45 mins
- Sunday:                Race 2  75 km or 35 mins



International Formula Master single-seaters

Engines
- Engines will be sealed and used by each entered driver
- From the first to the last race meeting of the season, one engine change or rebuild will be permitted for each driver
- Official engine tuner: LRM Motors


Tyres limitation
Race Meeting - Dry weather tyres per car
2 x new sets + 2 x set of previously marked (for free practice only)

Race Meeting - Wet weather tyres per car
2 x sets for each race meeting

Official testing session - Dry weather tyres per car
2 x new sets per testing day


Team personnel

For IFM:
The maximum number of operating staff will be limited to ten (drivers excluded) for teams entering three cars and seven (drivers excluded) for teams entering two cars.

For IFM Light:
The maximum number of operating staff will be limited to nine (drivers excluded) for teams entering three cars and six (drivers excluded) for teams entering two cars.


Points system
- The first eight classified drivers of Race 1 will start Race 2 in reverse order

- Points will be awarded to drivers according to the following scale:
Race 1: 1st=10, 2nd=8, 3rd=6, 4th=5, 5th=4, 6th=3, 7th=2, 8th=1
Race 2: 1st=6, 2nd=5, 3rd=4, 4th=3, 5th=2, 6th=1

- Additional points will be awarded for pole position in Race 1
  (two points) and fastest laps (one point in each race)
 
 
- Formula Master - also photo