Following another superb season of racing, Formula Master is set to grow for 2009 with a significant addition to its calendar.
The Series will partner two Formula 1 events, Spa and Istanbul, whilst remaining with the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) for the remaining six race meetings. The Series is now the only single-seater racing avenue partnering two FIA World Championships.
"Our strategy with Formula Master has always been to position the Series as a key feeder to Formula 1," said Formula Master Organizer Mauro Sipsz. "With the inclusion of the Belgium Grand Prix, based at a respected track regarded as a true drivers' circuit, and the Turkish GP, we are achieving our objectives.
"The Honda Racing Formula 1 team's continued support with confirmation of a test for the 2009 winner cements the F1 association even further. We have worked hard to ensure that the stars of tomorrow race with state-of-the-art technology and a strong promotional platform on Europe's most prestigious circuits, such as this weekend's races in Monza: a well-known Formula 1 track."
As this season's winner is set to be announced in Monza this weekend, Formula Master's feeder series status grows from strength-to-strength. With a solid first GP2 season completed, 2007 Formula Master champion Jérôme D'Ambrosio is set to race another year in the series, whilst 2008 front-runner Chris van der Drift has already shown great pace in the GP2 test at Paul Ricard last month.
The 22-year-old received strong praised from Trident Racing, with the team expressing their interest in retaining his services for their GP2 programme.
The Series' already significant media coverage is also set to develop next season. This weekend's races at Monza see Eurosport complete their second year of broadcasting the Series and, based on its feedback and popularity, all of Formula Master's Sunday races in 2009 will be broadcast live on the Eurosport International channel.
2009 Formula Master calendar (Provisional) 16-17 May Pau France with FIA WTCC30-31 May Valencia Spain with FIA WTCC20-21 June Brno Czech Republic with FIA WTCC18-19 July Brands Hatch Great Britain with FIA WTCC08-09 August Istanbul Turkey with Formula 129-30 August Oschersleben Germany with FIA WTCC12-13 September Spa Belgium with Formula 103-04 October Monza Italy with FIA WTCC
