British F3 secures title sponsor for 4 years
Cooper Tire is to continue as title sponsor of British F3 until at least the end of 2014, it is confirmed today. The tire giant’s backing for the coming four seasons provides unrivalled stability which will maintain the championship’s position at the forefront of international motorsport as the premier academy for the Grand Prix talent of the future.
Also announced today is a provisional calendar for the coming season of the Cooper Tires British F3 International Series, with triple-race events at six leading English circuits as well as Grand Prix-standard tracks in Italy, France, Germany and Belgium.
Cooper Tire began its association with British F3 in 2009, when it took over tire supply from its affiliate brand Avon Tires, which had previously been sole supplier to the series for 27 years. Julian Baldwin, managing director of Cooper Tire Europe, said: “Cooper’s role in British F3 is something that everyone who works at our Melksham base is very proud of, and rightly so. F3 is often referred to as the ‘university of motorsport’ for both drivers and engineers and that requires a top quality tire that can be relied on. Over the years, our engineers have worked tirelessly to ensure that our tires satisfy all the needs of a series that has become the world’s best."
Lisa Crampton, general manager of SRO, promoter of the Cooper Tires British F3 International Series, added: “Cooper Tire has put a huge amount into a powerful marketing and promotional program, which has led to the success of British F3 today. Cooper has offered teams and drivers a high level of service and support for the past two years and we look forward to seeing that dedication continue in the years to come."
Cooper Tire’s association with British F3 has proved a remarkably fertile one in terms of emerging driver talent. The 2009 champion, Australian Daniel Ricciardo, has already marked himself down as a talented F1 test pilot and looks set to follow ’08 champion Jaime Alguersuari into a regular Grand Prix seat before long. The newly crowned British F3 title-holder, Jean-Eric Vergne, made his F1 test debut earlier this month, and former National Class Champion Sergio Perez has recently signed as a full time driver for Sauber.
A new crop of young talent is gathering to contest British F3 in 2011. Ahead of them is a 30-race schedule at some of Europe’s most exciting venues. The championship will kick off in mid-April at the legendary Autodromo di Monza, home of the Italian Grand Prix, and there will be visits also to the German Grand Prix circuit, the Nürburgring, and to the Belgian Grand Prix track at Spa-Francorchamps. The Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France will be the fourth mainland-Europe venue.
The championship’s UK dates, which will be shared with the Avon Tires British GT Championship, will enjoy the benefit of a full supporting program from the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain, Volkswagen Racing Cup, as well as Ginetta championships and Caterham racing.
British F3 is additionally supported by Sunoco Racing Fuels, Anglo American Oil Company and Mirror.co.uk
2011 Cooper Tires British F3 International Series – provisional calendar
Date / Circuit / Championships
08 Mar / Silverstone, UK / Media & Test Day
14-16 Apr / Monza, Italy / GT Endurance Series
23 & 25 Apr / Oulton Park, UK / British GT & UK support package
14/15 May / Snetterton 300, UK / British GT & UK support package
18/19 Jun / Brands Hatch GP, UK / British GT & UK support package
15-17 Jul / Paul Ricard, France / FIA GT1 World Championship
28-30 Jul / Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium / Spa 24 Hours
03/04 Sep / Rockingham, UK / British GT & UK support package
09-11 Sep / Nürburgring, Germany / Nürburgring 12 Hours
24/25 Sep / Donington Park GP, UK / British GT & UK support package
07-09 Oct / Silverstone Arena, UK / British GT, GT Endurance & supports
All dates and circuits are provisional and subject to change