Motorsport UK to organise British F4
Motorsport UK will take over organisation of British Formula 4 from next year, with Ford’s over 50 years of support to UK junior single-seater racing simultaneously coming to an end.
A new second generation of FIA F4 machines, fitted with the halo cockpit protection device, will come on stream for 2022, and British governing body Motorsport UK has decided that it will review many other aspects of the series to coincide with the adoption of the new car. It has put out tenders for chassis, engine and tyre suppliers.
Since its inception, British F4 has been promoted by Racingline, which also managed F4’s British Formula Ford predecessor. But Racingline will have no involvement from next year and neither will the series’ key backer, Ford.
The manufacturer’s investment in UK single-seaters stretches continuously back to 1967, when its Kent engine was used to power the new Formula Ford category masterminded by Brands
Hatch supremo John Webb.
Motorsport UK has decided to adopt a fresh approach to single-seaters in Britain and has drafted in ex-f1 driver Karun Chandhok to play a key role in shaping this. It says it has a “bold vision for elevating the series” during its next three years as organiser and, as well as appearing at British Touring Car meetings, is assessing holding rounds at other “key events”.
Motorsport UK CEO Hugh Chambers told Autosport earlier this year: “I think British F4 has been successful – it’s produced some amazing racing and superstars like Lando Norris [the series’ inaugural champion]. But I think the world of F4 and the FIA’S singleseater pathway has evolved and we need to make sure the UK stays completely relevant.
“The generation two [car] has been the catalyst for us to review the championship – it’s the appropriate time. British F4 should be the best in the world. When you see the Italian championship and their grids, the relationship with F1 academies, and the connection between karting and Italian F4 is very close. We don’t currently enjoy that same relationship.”
In a statement, Racingline said: “Having operated as the organiser/promoter of the British F4 Championship since its inception seven years ago, Racingline and its team of passionate individuals regret Motorsport UK’S takeover of the organisation of
British F4 has been concluded without the opportunity for a public tender process to cover this role. The end of this season will therefore mark the end of Racingline’s 17-year operation of British F4 (and
British Formula Ford before that).
“The Racingline team would like to thank British F4’s partners – the teams, sponsors, drivers and suppliers, each of whom have been integral to the development of British F4 into the highly-regarded championship it is today, and wish them good luck for a successful second generation of British F4 under Motorsport UK’S organisation.”
Teams have given a mixed reaction to the news, with some concerned by the lack of detail of Motorsport UK’S plans for 2022 and how it will operate the series without the significant financial backing of Ford, while others are encouraged by the governing body’s record after taking over the British Kart Championships.
“It’s going to add prestige to the championship so that’s going to benefit all the teams and drivers,” said Argenti Motorsport boss Michael Meadows. “Since they started supporting the British Kart Championships, it’s really helped those series. I think everyone fears the unknown – they just want to see the plan so the sooner we get that, the better. I’m all for it.”
Arden general manager Richard Dent added: “It’s an interesting development – it was a little bit of a shock. If they put their weight behind it and the teams,
I think it could be a good thing.”
Fortec owner Richard Dutton admitted he is a “bit concerned” and says it’s a “big ask” for Motorsport UK. “We will wait and see – I’m intrigued to hear more,” he said. “Before I commit, I want to know more.”