South East Asian Formula 4 announced

The FIA's Formula 4 concept will expand to South East Asia next season, when it becomes the basis for a replacement for the AsiaCup series.

The Asian Autosport Action (Triple A) organization that also runs open-wheel team Meritus will be promoter for the series, which is due to kick off in July 2016. It will be a centrally-run championship rather than a multi-team competition, with budgets within the FIA's 100,000 euro recommendation for F4.

Triple A CEO Peter Thompson said: "It is an enormous privilege to be selected by the AAM and FIA as the Promoter for the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship. Over the last three years, the AsiaCup Series has helped shape Asian winners who have gone on to win international races.

"The new Formula 4 racecar will be fitted with up-to-date F1 technology, including paddleshift, and data systems, with built-in cameras for on-track coaching, as well as a fast 160hp engine."

The inaugural event will be held at Malaysian Formula 1 track Sepang next July, with a date on the 2016 Singapore Grand Prix support bill planned and other events in Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia and at ex-Indian GP F1 track Buddh.

Further details of the South East Asia F4 program – including the chassis to be used – will be unveiled at the AsiaCup's finale at Sepang on Dec. 11.

It is the fourth new F4 series announced for 2016 so far, with championships in the United States, Benelux region and Spain planned, joining the existing series in Britain, Germany, Italy, Northern Europe, Australia, Japan and China.

Originally on Autosport.com