Imola back?

Italian circuit Imola may be poised to return to the F1 calendar in the future, with circuit chiefs travelling to Bahrain to hold talks with Bernie Ecclestone. Imola’s chief Selvatico Estense attended a meeting with Ecclestone at Sakhir and it is believed F1 was the main subject. The talks come amid the uncertainty over the future of Monza as the host of the Italian Grand Prix. Imola hasn’t hosted a GP since 2006, but has recently been revamped and holds the correct FIA Grade 1 licence to do so.

Toby Sowery will complete the full season of BRDC British Formula 3 this year with Lanan Racing.

The Mclaren Autosport BRDC Award finalist contested the opening weekend at Snetterton with the team but that was just a one-round deal.

The 19-year-old has now secured the budget for the full season, having impressed in Norfolk and is currently third in the standings.

“It’s great to know that I should be able to do the full year,” said Sowery. “At the first weekend we didn’t expect to be quite as quick as we were and we know where we can find more pace.

“We will be going to try and win it. But even with Lando Norris not doing all the rounds there are still some other really quick drivers.”

Team boss Graham Johnson added: “It’s good news. The first race was to get him out there and see how he looked and he enjoyed the car.”

Johnson said the squad is still looking for a third driver to partner Sowery and Akhil Rabindra but won’t have anyone signed until the third round at the earliest.