It is good to know that at a time when industries are still facing difficulty, there are still those that are strong enough to get behind a series like British Formula 3.
Taking over from Avon in 2009, Cooper have been providing British F3 with quality tyres that have been taking punishment from some of the finest young drivers around. With the announcement today that Cooper Tyres are set to back the British F3 series for a further four years, stability has been provided to one of the strongest junior categories in motorsport.
Also announced were the dates for the 2011 British F3 calendar. Previously the exact dates had been left blank; however the 2011 schedule has since been solidified.
As with previous seasons, the Championship will remain on MotorsTV, where it will be broadcast as a highlights package. MotorsTV will also be broadcasting their 2010 British F3 season review on December 1st.
Mainly be acting as a support to the British GT series, the Formula 3 races will be maintaining their revamped weekend layout of three races, as opposed to two, as was the case in previous years. The series will also be venturing outside of British shores with races at Monza supporting the GT series, Paul Ricard (supporting GT1), Spa-Franchorchamps (supporting the Spa 24 Hour sportscar race), before heading to the Nurburgring as a lead in for the Nurburgring 12 Hour race.
Recent champions include Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne. Both of the Red Bull junior drivers are moving up the racing ladder – Vergne will be taking part in next year’s World Series by Renault Championship, while Ricciardo will be running as Toro Rosso’s reserve and may yet still confirm a GP2 seat.
Other notable title winners include Rubens Barrichello, Mika Hakkinen, Emerson Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet and the late Ayrton Senna.
2011 Cooper Tires British F3 International Series (provisional calendar)
08 March – Silverstone, UK (Media & Test Day
)
——–
14-16 April – Monza, Italy (GT Endurance Series)
23 & 25 April – Oulton Park, UK (British GT & UK support package)
14/15 May – Snetterton 300, UK (British GT & UK support package
)
18/19 June – Brands Hatch GP, UK (British GT & UK support package)
15-17 July – Paul Ricard, France (FIA GT1 World Championship)
28-30 July – Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium (Spa 24 Hours
)
03/04 September – Rockingham, UK (British GT & UK support package)
09-11 September – Nürburgring, Germany (Nürburgring 12 Hours)
24/25 September – Donington Park GP, UK (British GT & UK support package)
