AutoReject 2.0

AutoReject 2.0 (previously known as F1 Rejects Development Series or F1RDS) is a racing series that serves as a feeder series for the RWRS and AR3.5 championships, and aims to showcase the talent of the many young drivers that take part in the series. It allows teams in higher series to either loan out their drivers to teams or to set up their own junior team which will usually utilise the team's contracted young drivers.

Rules and regulations here.

History
Having managed an F3000 team in the late 80's, Frenchman Jacques Couteau was renowned for bringing through young talents into the public eye. When the feeder series to F1RWRS were introduced, it now meant that drivers could be assessed in F2RWRS and F3RWRS which usually supported the main RWRS events. Although this made talent-spotting easier, it was clear that feeding in drivers to F3RWRS was still quite messy. Couteau planned a series that, although not wholly affiliated with the RWRS competition, would also take part in support races in the main calendar.

After pitching the idea, it looked grim as the officials questioned the need for another series. Couteau successfully argued that it would be a series for not just drivers, but teams too to test their mettle in a full racing series. It also allowed junior teams to enter so that drivers could be carried through the ranks in their own stable. The series was christened the "F1 Rejects Development Series", in reference to the fact that it was a series where young drivers could spend a few seasons learning the ropes in full single-seater racing. To keep costs down, the calendar was mainly based in Europe.

After the series settled, Couteau left the setup to friend and former colleague Jan Kristiansen to co-run Astro Racing Group full time.

Prior to the 2017 season the series underwent a facelift; a fresh new name in AutoReject 2.0 was given to the series joining IFRC's change to AutoReject 3.5. There were also a number of other changes, including a new points system and race weekend format.

Drivers
The drivers in the series must be 21 or under when the series begins. Drivers over this age can receive special dispensation to race, but this will only be in extreme cases.

Technical
All cars used the Dallara RDS-01 chassis for the first two seasons, and was only allowed to be modified for set-up purposes.

Engines had to comply with a 2-litre inline four-cylinder engine, with a dual overhead camshaft layout. Season 1 engine suppliers were Volkswagen, Opel-Spiess, Renault (prepared by Mecachrome) and Toyota (prepared by TOM'S). These all produced power between 230-245 bhp, and each engine has different characteristics.

However, a single-spec series idea was agreed on for future championships and thus all teams now use the same Cosworth 250bhp V6 engine for next season. This can be rebadged by the teams. A new chassis was created by Dallara for the 2017 season, named the AR2/17.

Race and Points System
There is one qualifying session to determine the grid for the feature race, which will be approximately 85km long in distance. The results of the feature race will form the basis of the grid for the sprint race although with the top 10 in reverse order. The sprint race will be approximately 50km long in distance.

Winter Cup
The Winter Cup preceded the full F1RDS season. It is generally a three-round championship in one country which follows the same rules as the regular season except that there is no teams' championship. The 2015 F1RDS Winter Cup was the inaugural cup, and was hosted in Japan before moving to the United States for 2016. It was cancelled under the overhaul for the 2017 season.