Formula Regional Japanese Championship, the new regional Formula 3 series set to be launched in Japan this year, has started to make calendar changes due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
The series is pitched at being directly above Japanese Formula 4, and will use a new chassis designed by Dome and powered by a 270bhp four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The slow process in Dome’s designing and manufacturing of the car was an influence in Super Formula Lights (previously known as Japanese F3) choosing to move on to the Dallara 320 car for this year.
Japan initially held back from postponing events as COVID-19 spread across the globe, but its premier series Super Formula has now postponed the first four of its championship rounds, and the start of the Japanese F4 season has been put back to July.
Fuji Speedway was set to hold the inaugural race weekend on June 6/7, but the decision of the series it was supporting that weekend to remove the date from their calendars means FRJC has had to postpone too.
The same circuit was set to host the season finale on October 31/November 1 as a support to the World Endurance Championship, although that has now overhauled its calendar and left FRJC seeking a new date for the conclusion of its first season.
While no other rounds have been officially postponed, FRJC has confirmed it is already putting together a new-look calendar for release.
At present, the series is due to begin at Okayama on June 27/28, and will hold races at Autopolis (August 1/2), Sportsland SUGO (August 22/23) and Twin Ring Motegi (September 5/6). To Formula Scout’s knowledge, no drivers have publicly committed to racing in the series as of yet.