Back in 2002, the smaller teams on the grid like Minardi, Arrows and Jordan were struggling to gain enough money. Paul Stoddart saved Minardi just weeks before the start of the 2001 season. Prost Grand Prix was bankrupt during the 2001 season. While Arrows was in a strange situation with the Phoenix Grand Prix thingy from Tom Walkinshaw who shifted more attention to that then Arrows. Eventually, there were people within the Formula One that were looking for a solution if the worst-case scenario would happen in the Formula One. Which meant less teams on the grid, Max Mosley spoke about the opportunity to bring F3000 cars on the grid if needed. Could it work out?
Max Mosley stated that bringing the F3000 cars on the grid was a possibility. Back in 2002, the Concorde Agreement stated that at least sixteen cars had to be on the grid to continue the championship. In 2002, there were twelve teams on the grid, which meant 24 cars. Compared to today’s grid it is still a lot. Though with teams as Arrows, Jordan and Minardi on the verge to leave the Formula One with manufacturers like Ford (Jaguar) and Toyota there could be less cars on the grid.
This mass exodus is the worst-case scenario though it could happen in 2002. What if this scenario would happen? On first thought, it seems odd to have the F3000 cars added. However, there was a mixed situation in the 1960s where Formula 1 and Formula 2 cars appeared on the grid during a Grand Prix. The last time it happened was during the 1969 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. From the 26 entrants 12 were with F2 cars. Eventually Henri Pescarolo in his Matra finished fifth and Richard Attwood in his Brabham as sixth. Sadly, they did not score points.
Later in the 1970s a championship was started named the Group 8 Shellsport Championship. Where old Formula 5000 cars raced on Brands-Hatch, Snetterton, Mallory Park, Thruxton and Oulton Park. Silverstone was not on presented as John Webb did not own the circuit. At the end of 1977, the concept was changed and rebranded to Aurora AFX Formula One. Now Formula One, Formula Two, Formula Three and Formula Atlantic cars were also allowed on the grid. Those who saw the series know how the grids were and the atmosphere during the races was. Obviously, most of the drivers there were not enough for the Formula One, still it showed it was possible in some way.
Returning to early 2002 with a worldwide economy cooling down there were solutions needed to prevent empty grids. Adding F3000 cars, in my opinion, would not have worked. As the difference between the series was too big to be seen serious. Back in the 1960s, the difference was not that big at all between the two. It could work, only to keep the spectacle on the track, if they would be added on circuits where they did not had to race during the season.
However, my idea in such worst-case scenario would be to allow teams to add a third or even a fourth car on the grid. It is something i spoke about a couple of times before. It was brought in a couple of times in the past last time was in 1995. This also happened occasionally in the Formula One from the late 1950s until the 1970s.
Luckily, Max Mosley thoughts on it stayed just thoughts. As only Orange Arrows would leave the grid in mid-2002 due to faulty management and the issue with Phoenix Grand Prix. However, the situation kept risky since then. The FIA did open up spots a couple of times. Four teams would appear in 2010 on the grid. All four of them were doomed from the start sadly.
