BRITISH F3 AND F4 WINTER SERIES COULD GO ABROAD
The BRDC British Formula 3 and British Formula 4 championships could join forces and run a winter series in Portugal later this year.
MN understands that teams in both championships are interested in competing on the Portimao circuit at the end of November, but that it is yet to be confirmed as organisers try to get a sufficient number of entries.
Details include a three-day event, with F3 and F4 planning to do testing on the opening day before a qualifying session and three races on both remaining days.
“BRDC British F3 teams have been enthusiastic about a winter test and race programme in a warmer climate for a while,” said Giles Butterfield, MSV’S group operation manager.
“We just need to turn that into concrete commitment and all parties are working hard to do that. Partnering with British F4 for the Portimao event seems entirely logical and should be beneficial for both series.”
Teams to have registered an interest include Carlin, Fortec and Double R Racing, which would run cars in both F3 and F4, and Douglas Motorsport in F3.
“If it’s there [Portimao] we are doing it. I think there’s a bit too much apathy in the paddock, race cars have got to be out there racing,” said Anthony Hieatt, team principal of Double R Racing.
Last year’s British F3 Autumn Trophy at Snetterton was hit by delays due to thick fog and is the primary reason teams wish to travel to warmer climates in 2017.
Trevor Carlin, team principal of Carlin, said: “The weather is much better if we go to Europe – I know last year we had one of the [F3 Autumn Trophy] races fogged off. We’ve got a lot of interest and it could be extended to have testing before or after.”
Organisers of the F4 championship have confirmed they are still only considering the Portimao circuit as one of several options.
Sam Roach, British F4 promoter, said: “It’s one of the options we are putting forward and we are waiting for commitments from teams. They are positive to the idea. We would like to work with F3 and I think that makes sense for all involved.”