MotorSport Vision (MSV) will introduce the Tatuus MSV GB4-025 car into the GB4 Championship from the 2025 season onwards.
The car, which has raced in GB3 as the Tatuus MSV-022 since 2022, will be a significant upgrade on the F4-T014 package currently used in GB4, introducing key safety features such as the halo into the championship for the first time.
Modified to become an entry-level machine, the Tatuus MSV GB4-025 chassis will retain all the updated safety features utilised in current GB3 specification, including stronger side-impact and rollover protection qualities.
A lower downforce single-plane front and rear wing setup with a shortened diffuser will be introduced. In another visual change to the current GB3 model, the conventional overhead airbox will remain a feature in GB4, with a new engine cover to be produced as a result. Aerodynamic performance will be improved over the current GB4 car.
GB4 will depart from the turbocharged engine currently used in both GB4 and British F4, and will instead utilise a two litre, four cylinder, normally aspirated Mountune unit with a specially designed inlet manifold and throttle body configuration. The car will mirror the current GB4 power to weight ratio, allowing the series to continue running drivers who are 15 years old.
The GB4-025 in GB4 specification will retain the Cosworth Electronics SQ6 ECU and the trusted Sadev six speed gearbox with Magneti Marelli gear shift system. The technical package has been evolved to achieve optimum equality and reliability for GB4 competitors.
Introducing the GB4-025 car into GB4 will allow teams currently running the chassis in GB3 the option to retain and modify their existing cars and race them in addition to the new GB3-025 car package that will be introduced next year, or to sell them to existing GB4 operations. MSV will also provide assistance to existing GB4 teams wishing to continue their presence in the series by upgrading to the GB4-025. A buy-back scheme for current generation GB4 machinery will also be offered by MSV.
The first GB4 specification 025 car is already in development at the series’ Bedford Autodrome headquarters, with an on-track testing programme scheduled later this summer, affording drivers currently in GB4 or targeting the series in 2025 an opportunity to test the car.
The new car further heightens GB4’s offering to young drivers looking to make their first steps into single-seater racing at a cost-effective level, before moving up to FIA F4 or GB3. GB4's package also includes an exceptional prize structure comprising a £50,000 career contribution for the series champion, a €30,000 fund for this year’s lead female driver, should she claim a drive in F1 Academy next year, plus the recently announced £50,000 scholarship for the 2024 Ginetta Junior champion.
MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: “The Tatuus MSV-022 GB3 car has been one of the most widely-acclaimed packages in junior single-seater racing for quite some time, and in its new GB4 evolution, the car will maintain the championship’s cost-effective focus, while offering a significant steps forward in safety.
“The move towards a naturally aspirated engine will ensure even greater parity from a well trusted power unit. With a proven, reliable and extremely popular technical package, combined with a class-leading prize pot in excess of £120,000, the new-look GB4 Championship will become an even stronger first step on the ladder towards for the most talented young drivers emerging from karting, Ginetta Juniors and other junior categories, before moving on to F4 or GB3 and hopefully all the way up to F1.”
The Tatuus MSV GB4-025 car made its first public appearance at Silverstone on Friday 26 July, following a successful shakedown run at Bedford Autodrome two days previously.
The new car completed the entirety of both 25-minute sessions at the British Grand Prix venue, and registered lap times closely matching the current GB4 cars. The testing programme is expected to continue in the coming weeks. Read more.