Cooper Tire has been announced as the new tyre supplier and title sponsor of the prestigious British F3 International Series. The agreement will commence for the 2009 season and run until the end of 2011.

The US tyre manufacturer takes over the role held for 27 years by Avon Tyres, a brand owned and manufactured by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company.

The British F3 International Series, widely acknowledged as the toughest domestic single-seater championship in the world, has produced champions and future Formula 1 stars such as David Coulthard, Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, Mika Hakkinen and Ayrton Senna.

“Through our many years in British F3 with the Avon brand, we know that it is a genuine stepping stone of great drivers on the way to F1, and therefore requires the very best components in every area,” explains Julian Baldwin, managing director of Cooper Tire Europe.

“Avon Tyres is very well established in British and European motor racing and, as Cooper Tire grows as a brand in Europe, we want it to stand for the same standard of quality. Cooper’s racing tyres deserve to be allied with a high-profile championship in Europe and you don’t get much bigger than British F3.”

Stephane Ratel, Chairman of SRO, promoter of the British F3 International Series, commented “Cooper Tire is embarking upon a powerful marketing and promotional programme throughout Europe, and we’re delighted that it’s chosen to partner with British F3, the world’s most prestigious F3 Championship. In addition, Cooper will provide teams and drivers with high performance race tyres, and the level of service and technical support that is expected from a top flight international motor sport Championship.”

Ratel concluded, “In Cooper Tire, the Championship has secured itself a partner that will provide a fresh and ambitious energy. It’s going to be an exciting three years for all concerned.”

Cooper Tire already has an established reputation in US motorsport, where it is title sponsor and sole supplier to the Atlantic Championship series, a premier open wheel development series for both open wheel and sports car racing.

The calendar for the 2009 Cooper Tire British F3 International Series will be announced by organisers, SRO, in the coming months.