SHANGHAI—The organizers of the new Formula 3 Asian Championship have selected Giti Tire Group as the designated race tire supplier for the single-seater championship's inaugural season.
The Asian F3 Championship is the fifth series worldwide based on the Federation Internationale de l'Automobil's set of rules for F3 racing, which specify a single chassis and engine. F3 is considered a "feeder" championship series for Formula 2 and eventually Formula 1.
Singapore-headquartered Giti will provide slick and wet-weather tires for the 15-race inaugural season, which begins July 13 at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit. The series is expected to attract 10 teams and up to 24 cars.
The partnership marks the continuation of a five-year collaboration between Giti Tire and championship organizer Shanghai Top Speed Ltd., which began in 2013 with the Formula Masters China Series.
Each team will receive two new sets of Giti Compete GTR1 tires per event included in the entry fees. Giti will provide technical and service support for each event, as well as use race data to continually improve and advance tire technology.
The cars will be powered by a single-make 270-hp turbocharged engine, the manufacturer of which is yet to to be announced, along with the chassis provider. F3 cars typically are open cockpit, single-seat, open-wheel racers weighting about 1,275 pounds powered by 2-liter four-cylinder racing engines. Top speed is about 165 mph.
Top Speed General Manager Davide De Gobbi called Giti Tire is the "ideal partner" for the new F3 Asian Championship, saying it "has the resources and expertise we require to ensure performance of the highest standards, as well as a proven track record with us in Asia."
Phang Wai Yeen, executive director of Giti's International R&D Centers, said Giti is looking forward to "growing in tandem with Top Speed towards a higher level of participation in the FIA racing hierarchy."
The other F3 championships are:
- FIA F3 Europe—30 races over 10 race weekends running May through October. Tires provided by Hankook Tire.
- British F3 Championship—24 races over eight race weekends, running April through October. Tires provided by Pirelli.
- Japanese F3 Championship—20 races over 10 race weekends. Tires provided by Yokohama.
- F3 Americas Championship—15 races over five race weekends, running August through October. Tires provided by Pirelli.