MotorSport Vision (MSV) has revealed the new Tatuus MSV GB3-025 car which will be raced in its GB3 Championship from the 2025 season and beyond. This latest single-seater from the renowned Italian constructor is aimed at building on the existing car’s great reputation and elevate GB3 to become the most compelling choice of series for drivers of FIA F4 level to develop and prove their talent on their path to FIA F3, F2 and ultimately F1.
The new car is the result of a tenth season of collaboration between MSV and Tatuus, with a completely revised chassis and F1-inspired aerodynamics. The package also includes DRS for the first time, along with industry leading safety standards and a new Mountune engine producing 280bhp, up from 250bhp with the current GB3 car.
Class-leading aerodynamics
The Tatuus designers have developed the most advanced aerodynamics package ever at this level, which is modelled to add 35% more downforce at the same drag level compared to the current GB3 car – a radical increase in efficiency.
The new aerodynamic package, including front wing and endplate assembly, powerful underbody aerodynamics, and CFD optimised aero surfaces and rim fairings, draws inspiration from current F1 machinery and has been designed to work in harmony with the bespoke adjustable DRS rear wing, offering young drivers greater ability to develop their race craft and perfect preparation for competition on the global stage.
Reinforcing GB3’s growing stature as a key step on the ladder to F1, key new features include a titanium halo, for greater strength and much reduced weight - and at a critical, high location.
Further aerodynamic improvements include a CFD optimised cooling package for the car as a whole, including the brakes and gearbox oil, whilst an improved brake system will also be a feature.
New technical package features tyre size increase and upgraded engine
GB3 will continue its association with official F1 tyre supplier Pirelli with the introduction of wider tyres for the new generation car. Front tyres have been increased from eight to 10 inches in width with the rear tyres sizing up from 10 inches to 12.
The combination of far more efficient aerodynamics with much greater downforce, with the increase in power from the new normally aspirated two-litre, four-cylinder Mountune engine, means that the Tatuus MSV GB3-025 will be considerably quicker per lap than the current model. The weight of the new car is expected to be approximately 560kg minus fuel and driver.
The 2025 engine will retain the DNA of the current Mountune-prepared unit but with power increased by 30bhp. Extensive modifications will be applied to the cylinder head and inlet manifold to raise power output, and a re-engineered exhaust system layout will increase mid-range performance. A fully stressed sump and totally redesigned cam cover will ensure the stiffest-ever engine mounting and torsional rigidity. Extra sensors to improve engine control and monitoring will also be added to complement serviceability improvements for engine operation.
The FT3 fuel cell will be increased to 70 litres in capacity and is compatible with the latest fully sustainable fuels. Revisions have also been made to the Sadev six speed gearbox, which is lighter than the current model. A refined electronic gearshift system will be activated by a new bespoke steering wheel.
First rate safety features and improved driver ergonomics
Major safety enhancements are a key feature of the new car, which is the first new chassis to be available complying to the latest FIA standards for Regional F3. There are also new front and rear crash structures, a revised front anti-intrusion panel, and enhanced removable head and leg protection, which includes cockpit foam gap fillers to protect drivers in the event of a side-on impact. In addition to the wheels, the rear crash structure will also now feature a retaining tether. An electronically operated fire extinguisher, six-point safety harness and improved rear rain lights also feature.
The new car is also designed to accommodate a wider range of driver height, from sub 150cm competitors to those above two metres tall. The extractable driver seat will be available in three different sizes, and pedal boxes will have a much wider adjustment range.
Orders now open
Applications for the supply of the new 2025 GB3 car may now be made and early response indicates very strong demand is expected. Cars will be supplied to a maximum of 10 teams who will run three cars each to provide an upper limit of 30 cars able to race in 2025 GB3. Applications to purchase new cars will be evaluated by MSV with priority being given to existing GB3 teams, but MSV will also welcome enquiries from new teams with the appropriate track record and capability.
All teams that place orders are expected to receive their first car before Christmas 2024, with subsequent cars following in the first weeks of 2025.
MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: “GB3 is already well-established as one of Europe’s leading F1 feeder series, with our recent graduates excelling in the world’s top categories. Our 2021 champion Zak O'Sullivan was runner-up in FIA F3 last year and won the F2 feature race at Monaco, whilst 2022 GB3 champion Luke Browning is already a race winner in FIA F3, lying second in the standings. Both drivers went on to secure the prestigious Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award after their GB3 success and become members of the Williams F1 Driver Academy.
“It is tremendously exciting seeing our young drivers progressing towards F1 and I have no doubt top GB3 talent is going to be in F1 in the next few years. F1 is more of a meritocracy than it has ever been, which is brilliant, and we at MSV, Tatuus and Mountune have used all of our collective expertise, in collaboration with our great existing teams, to make another big step forward in our determination for GB3 to be the series that has all the bases covered better than any other at this level: high performance, great equality, the highest safety standards and outstanding value. And critically that means that FIA F3, F2 and then F1 teams will look to GB3’s front runners as potential F1 talent to try and sign.”
Tatuus CEO Giovanni Delfino said: “Long term cooperation with MSV and the GB3 Championship is a key one for Tatuus, and one already able to give light to some major high performing single seaters, making it possible year after year for many pro drivers to grow up and build the necessary experience to join the grids of the most important championships in the world. We are sure that the MSV GB3-025 will represent a new step in this same direction, confirming once more the relevance of the GB3 Championship on the single-seater pyramid, and Tatuus engineering abilities at the same time."
Tatuus President Gianfranco De Bellis said: “The MSV GB3-025 is a special one for every one of us. We worked hard and with passion to give light to an innovative and iconic single-seater and we can’t wait to see it on track in 2025. A sincere special thank must go to Jonathan Palmer and his entire staff, not only for their long term trust in our brand, but also for the primary role MSV are playing in the motorsports industry.”
