British Formula 3 Championship Manager Benjamin Franassovici is confident the series can consolidate its heritage status and build for the future following the loss of several of its 2013 events.
A slow driver sign-up at the start of the year and uncertainty amongst the existing team led series promoters SRO to truncate to the season to just four rounds.
Following last years unsuccessful bid to merge with its European Championship counterpart, British F3 struggled to solidify a calendar; however SRO believe the shortened can reignite interest.
Of the original schedule, Silverstone (May 25-26), Spa-Francorchamps (July 25-27), Brands Hatch (August 10-11) and Nurburgring (September 21-22) remain, with each round – apart from the Brands Hatch event – receiving live television coverage from European broadcaster Motors TV.
SRO are hoping to target at least fifteen entries, with additional drivers expected to boost the grid at Spa.
Despite a fraught period of time for the series, Franassovici remains positive about the British F3’s outlook. “The support we received when we made our announcement regarding the revisions to the series was overwhelming and assured us we are taking the right direction,” said Franassovici.
He continued, “It was important to make a decision early. Current British F3 teams have replied positively and all are planning to enter cars. The National Class, now also open to cars from other series in Europe has been well received.”
British Formula 3 may appear to have taken a significant hit 2013 – and it has received a wound that would kill off other championships; however Franassovici is confident that correct and timely action was taken to preserve the series.
“The right decisions have been made in good time to allow British F3 to continue beyond 2013. We will continue to do our best to support the series and ensure it retains its prestige as well as continuing to be seen as an essential step on the ladder to the highest levels of the sport.”
Irrespective, 2013 remains a key year in the life of British Formula 3 and the four rounds ahead may go some long way to deciding whether it has a future beyond September.
