Editing International Formula 3000 (section)

==The spec-chassis years==
In 1996, new rules introduced a single engine (a detuned [[Judd (engine)|Judd]] V8 engine, re-engineered by and badged as a [[Zytek]]) and chassis ([[Lola Cars|Lola]]), to go along with tyre standardization ([[Avon Tyres|Avon]]) introduced in 1986. The following year the calendar was combined with that of Formula One, so the series became support races for the Grand Prix. Several Grand Prix teams established formal links with F3000 teams to develop young drivers (and engineering talent); these relationships varied from formal "junior teams" (such as the one [[McLaren]] set up for [[Nick Heidfeld]]) to fairly distant relationships based mostly upon shared sponsors and the use of the 'parent' team's name. The series grew dramatically through the late nineties, reaching an entry of nearly 40 cars - although this in itself was problematic as it meant many drivers failed to qualify. In 2000, the series was restricted to 15 teams of two cars each.

However, by 2002 expenses were once more very high and the number of entries, and sponsors, rapidly dwindled. International Formula 3000 was experiencing tough competition with cheaper formulae, such as [[Auto GP|European F3000]] (using ex-FIA 1999 and 2002 Lola chassis), [[World Series by Nissan]] (also known as Formula Nissan) and [[Formula Renault V6 Eurocup]]. By the end of 2003, car counts had fallen to new lows.

The [[2004 International Formula 3000 Championship|2004 season]] was the last F3000 campaign, due in part to dwindling field sizes. In 2005 it was replaced with a new series known as [[GP2 Series|GP2]], with [[Renault]] backing.

===Final year specifications===
*'''Engine displacement''': [[Zytek]]-[[Judd (engine)|Judd]] ''KV'' F3000 {{convert|3.0|L|cuin|0|abbr=on}} [[Overhead camshaft|DOHC]] [[V8 engine|V8]]<ref>{{cite web| url = https://juddpower.com/our-engines/judd-kv-zytek-v8-f3000/| title = JUDD KV V8 F3000 Zytek Racing Engine {{!}} Judd Power| date = 10 November 2016}}</ref>
*'''Power output''': {{convert|450-520|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} @ 8,750-10,500 rpm (11,000 rpm [[redline]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thevaultms.com/inventory/2003-lola-f3000-race-car/|title=2003 Lola B02/00 Two-Seater|access-date=3 March 2022|archive-date=8 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908201002/https://thevaultms.com/inventory/2003-lola-f3000-race-car/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''Torque output''': {{convert|300|lb.ft|N.m|0|abbr=on}}
*'''Gearbox''': 6-speed [[Semi-automatic transmission|paddle-shift]] [[sequential gearbox]] (must have reverse)
*'''Weight''': {{convert|545|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} (including driver)
*'''Fuel''': 102 RON unleaded
*'''Fuel delivery''': Electronic-indirect [[fuel injection]]
*'''Aspiration''': [[Naturally-aspirated engine|Naturally-aspirated]]
*'''Width''': {{convert|1476|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}
*'''Wheelbase''': {{convert|3000|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}
*'''Steering''': Non-assisted [[rack and pinion]]