From this year, it is mandatory for all participants taking part in the series to complete a one-day training course before climbing into the race car for the first time in 2016.

With the FIA’s recent work in completing and formalising the structure of the single-seater pyramid from Karting to Formula One, driver education is an important element of ensuring drivers are adequately prepared for the challenges they face as they progress through the categories.

As the 2016 drivers ready themselves for the first round in two months at Paul Ricard, France, their training moved from test tracks and simulators to the FIA’s headquarters in Paris.

The course is mandatory for rookies, but also for drivers who have competed in the series in previous years.

The training has been introduced to ensure that drivers are prepared for the upcoming season and have fundamental knowledge of what to expect when joining the championship – especially coming from Formula 4.

The course covers important aspects of motor sport, such as race procedures, safety, driver behaviour and precautions, and anti-doping standards. The International Sporting Code and the Technical and Sporting Regulations which govern the championship are also an important part of the day. The training concludes with details about mechanical knowledge and operation of race cars, as well as information about the media and communication structure and expectations of the series.

Morgan Caron, Manager of the Drivers’ Commission believes it is essential that young drivers are prepared for any new challenge they face.

“It can actually have a very negative effect on a young driver if they make the step up to a new category without being ready for it,” said Mr Caron.

“When the FIA established the plans to complete the single-seater pyramid with Formula 4, Formula 3, and Formula 2, one of the aims was to give young drivers the best preparation for the next step in their careers.

We have so many Formula 4 drivers around the world looking to step up to F3 – and these are young and relatively inexperienced drivers making a big leap.

Conducting a training course like this can play a big role in their preparation, and establishes the expectations for them as they approach the season.”

The participating drivers share the positive impression and see the value of the training course. George Russell, who will race for HitechGP in 2016 mentioned, “It is good to get together with other drivers and FIA officials and discuss different topics relevant to the new season. You can read the Sporting Regulations, but only when you talk about them, you fully understand them.

The training has been very beneficial and valuable to gain a better understanding of what lies ahead of us this year.”

The 2016 FIA Formula 3 European Championship will be kicked off with the first race meeting in Paul Ricard from 1st to 3rd of April. A pre-season test is scheduled for the beginning of March in Vallelunga, Italy.