Norris tipped to land European Formula 3 seat
Mclaren Autosport BRDC Award winner Lando Norris will move into the European Formula 3 Championship next season, with Carlin his most likely destination, MN understands.
As MN closed for press, sources suggested that Norris was due to conclude his deal with the Farnborough team this week.
Norris enjoyed a stellar 2016 season, lifting titles in the Toyota Racing Series, Formula Renault NEC and Eurocup, as well as winning races in BRDC British F3.
He capped his year by winning the MABA award, which hands him a Formula 1 test and a simulator driver role with Mclaren.
The 17-year-old has form in European F3, with his graduation following an entry into the Hockenheim finale this year and an appearance at the Macau GP, both with Carlin.
Carlin is targeting a four-car line-up in the series next season.
customers – maybe they can cooperate with each other.
“We have two serious groups working on it and why not? If they have the credentials we are happy to give the rights to it.”
BTCC series director and chairman of the Motor Sports Association Alan Gow said any potential series would likely get a permit should it apply for one, but played down talk of cooperation between TCR and the BTCC.
“It’s just a series like any other, so I don’t see why it wouldn’t get a permit if they fulfil all the normal criteria,” he said. “Anyone can start a series in the UK.
“Of course it’s not a threat to the BTCC. It’s in a totally different (lower) league. It’s a much more standard-production based formula, to a much lower level and profile than the BTCC. In fact it’s much like that SEAT Cupra Cup we once had here and on which the TCR cars were actually originally based.
“Our support races are fully contracted for many years.they will have to look at somewhere like the British GT or suchlike to find a slot on a support race bill.
“I can’t remember the amount of saloon car-based series that have started over the last 20 years and which are no longer around... but of course I wish them luck.”