The FIA International Formula 3000 Championship was created in 1985 as the final graduation category for drivers before entering Formula One. The championship has consistently produced the emerging F 1 talent and the majority of the Formula One grid today consists of ex Formula 3000 racers.

The Formula became a marketplace for specialist chassis manufacturers with Reynard, Lola, Ralt and March enjoying series success in the category's ten year history. Teams also had to carefully consider their choice of engine as manufacturers vied for the market share.

1996 saw the start of a new era, this was the first time in the series history where the one-make chassis and engine policy had been adopted. In the year 2001, every competitor will be driving a Lola T99/50 powered by a Zytek V8 engine, using Avon tyres.

Championship points are scored by the first six drivers across the line in each race on a 10 - 6 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 basis, with all of the ten rounds counting towards the driver's end of season championship total.

In 2001, there will be an entry list of 15 teams, 30 cars, qualifying will be held on Friday before the race day with two 45-minute sessions. The fastest overall 26 drivers from the two sessions will qualify for the 150km race in accordance with the Formula 3000 regulations.