The Spanish Formula Three Championship was established during a period of rapid growth in Spanish motorsport, closely linked to the success of the Euro Open Movistar by Nissan, which eventually became the World Series by Renault. The new series replaced the Super Formula Toyota one-make championship and was designed from the outset to provide a budget-accessible alternative to the expensive leading European F3 championships.
In 2006, Toyota's title sponsorship prompted a rebrand to the Spanish F3 Championship by Toyota, reflecting the manufacturer's exclusive engine supply. The series was renamed Euroformula Open Championship in 2014 after the FIA restricted the use of the Formula Three designation to championships following the then-current engine regulations.
The championship distinguished itself by actively controlling costs, making it accessible to drivers who lacked the substantial budgets required by the leading European F3 Euroseries teams. This attracted both Spanish teams and, increasingly, international outfits. British team West-Tec was among the first prominent non-Spanish teams to participate, winning two drivers' titles in their first three seasons of involvement. Italy's RP Motorsport joined shortly after and became a consistent race-winning operation.
The championship has used Dallara chassis throughout its history. The Dallara F300 was used in the early seasons, followed by the F305 from 2005, the F308 from 2008, and the F312 from 2012. In 2020, the series completed its transition away from Formula Three regulations, and from 2025 the Dallara 324 — which debuted in Super Formula Lights in 2024 — became the specification chassis, further emphasising affordability.
Engine supply was exclusive for much of the series' history. From 2010 to 2018, a Toyota Formula Three engine tuned by Spanish preparer Piedrafita Sport powered the grid. From 2019 the series opened to Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen engines alongside Toyota, with the Toyota units dropped after the first round of that season.
Toyota offered a Formula One test to each series champion during the period of exclusive Toyota engine use. The first recipient was 2004 champion Borja Garcia, who later graduated to GP2.
Between 2001 and 2005, the championship comprised seven rounds each featuring two races. The calendar initially centred on circuits in Spain and Portugal, with Estoril a regular fixture through 2007. Expansion from 2008 brought rounds at Magny-Cours, Donington Park, and Brands Hatch. By 2014, the series was visiting major European venues including Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, Silverstone, and the Hungaroring, confirming its transition from a national Spanish series to a genuinely pan-European championship.
A secondary Copa class was introduced in 2005 to provide opportunities for drivers without competitive budgets. The Copa, using older chassis specifications, allowed drivers to progress from cheaper junior formulae into an F3-adjacent environment without committing to the full cost of the main class. The Copa was discontinued during the 2014 season due to insufficient entries.
The Euroformula Open Championship filled a consistent role in European junior motorsport as an accessible entry point to formula racing at close to Formula Three level. Its cost-control ethos made it a viable option for drivers from markets outside the traditional European motorsport strongholds, contributing to its increasing international character over its history.
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