sport all-japan formula three championship
Formula Three , also called ___MASK33___ or F3 , is a class of open - wheel formula racing . The various championships held in Europe , Australia , South America and Asia form an important step for many prospective Formula One drivers . Formula Three has traditionally been regarded as the first major stepping stone for F1 hopefuls  it is typically the first point in a driver ' s career at which most drivers in the series are aiming at professional careers in racing rather than being amateurs and enthusiasts . F3 is not cheap , but is regarded as a key investment in a young driver ' s future career . Success in F3 can lead directly to higher formula series such as a GP2 seat , or even a Formula One test or race seat . ___MASK1___ ( also Formula 1 or F1 and officially the FIA ___MASK1___ World Championship ) is the highest class of single - seat ___MASK26___ that is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l ' Automobile ( FIA ). The FIA ___MASK1___ World Championship has been the premier form of racing since the inaugural season in 1950 , although other ___MASK1___ races were regularly held until 1983 . The " formula ", designated in the name , refers to a set of rules , to which all participants ' cars must conform . The F1 season consists of a series of races , known as " Grands Prix " ( from French , meaning grand prizes ), held worldwide on purpose - built F1 circuits and public roads . Formula racing is any of several forms of open - wheeled single - seater ___MASK51___ . The origin of the term lies in the nomenclature that was adopted by the FIA for all of its post - World War II single - seater regulations , or formulae . The best known of these formulae are Formula One , Two , Three and Four . Common usage of " formula racing " encompasses other single - seater series , including the GP2 Series , which replaced Formula 3000 ( which had itself been the effective replacement for Formula Two ). All - Japan Formula Three Championship ( F3 Zen ' nihon F3 Senshuken ) , also known as Japanese Formula Three , is a national motor racing championship that takes place in Japan . It is a junior - level feeder formula that uses small single seater Formula Three chassis .