The spectacular Fiat stand in Bologna formed the perfect backdrop for the official presentation of the new F3 engine, which was introduced by the Engineer Paolo Martinelli, the Vice-President of Fiat Powertrain Technologies The 2.0-litre 4-cyl 16v Fiat Powertrain Technologies developed 420F3 unit is capable of turning out 220 bhp (162 kW) at 7,000 rpm, and has a maximum torque of 236Nm at 5,750 rpm. The 2008 Italian Championship is now finally taking shape after the swinging technical changes required due to the adoption of the Fiat engine, and Dallara will once again supply the chassis used next year.

There was a stylish launch at the Bologna Motor Show last week for the Fiat Powertrain built 420F3 engine that will be used for the next three years in the Italian Formula 3 Championship's single seaters racecars.

The spectacular Fiat stand, with its giant model of the new 500, in Bologna formed the perfect backdrop for the official presentation of the engine, which was introduced by the Engineer Paolo Martinelli, the Vice-President of Fiat Powertrain Technologies and the former boss of Ferrari's Formula One engine development department.

The 2-litre 16v 4-cylinder engine, has been developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) on the Abarth Super2000 unit base. This unit has already proved hugely successful in other applications; it evolved from the powerplant which has been used this year by the N.Technology Alfa Romeo team in FIA World Touring Car Championship in its Alfa 156 racers, and already has six titles to its name on the race track. The engine then formed the base of the unit used to power the new Super2000 Grande Punto Abarths, which have already claimed two Italian rally titles, as well as the European and Intercontinental crowns. Fiat is building on a long tradition of supplying customer Formula 3 engines (it is presently involved in Spanish F3) and supporting junior formulae.

The F3 unit is capable of 220 bhp (162 kW) at 7,000 rpm and has a maximum torque of 236Nm at 5,750 rpm. Two contract options will be available to all the teams: either outright purchase at 38,500 euros (with the airbox, clutch, exhaust silencer and electronics included) or at an annual lease at 16,000 euros (comprehensive of control unit and injectors wiring). First deliveries of the engine, which is designated 420F3, are expected to be in the next few weeks, while a collective test with cars lined up by every team is set to be held within February.

The 2008 Italian Championship is now finally taking shape after the swinging technical changes required due to the adoption of the Fiat engine, and Dallara will once again supply the chassis used next year. The next season's calendar has been released and as usual the championship will be articulated into eight rounds each of them comprising of two double header two races. The season schedule is the following: 06/04: Monza; 20/04: Misano Adriatico; 11/05: Mugello; 08/06: Magione; 20/07: Mugello; 31/08: Varano de' Melegari; 28/09: Adria; and 19/10: Vallelunga.