in Spanish hands

A new Spanish ace is to join the Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series for 2009, it is announced yesterday Eighteen-year-old Victor Garcia will pilot a Mercedes-powered Dallara chassis for front-running team Fortec Motorsport.

Madrid-based Victor is hoping to follow in the wheeltracks of his countryman Jaime Alguersuari, who won the British F3 title last year: "I used to race against Jaime in karts - and sometimes I used to beat him - so it would be fantastic to follow his example and to win in the UK. I don't have much experience of the circuits yet but I am looking forward to the challenge."

Garcia impressed Fortec's senior race engineer, Mick Kouros, during a six-day test programme in late December: "He set fast times at all the circuits we visited and was quick to adapt to our car and the tyres. Fortec is looking forward to working with Victor and to helping him challenge for championship victory."

Fortec is planning to field a four-car squad in British F3 once again, with the backing of Nitron Dampers, Eibach springs, Track-Smart, Taylor Made Signs and ZX1.

Garcia comes to Britain with two years experience of Spanish F3 under his belt; he won from the pole at Jerez in October and was twice a podium visitor at Jarama. The former karting champion also has Formula Renault Eurocup experience.

The British Formula 3 International Series gets underway at Oulton Park at Easter (11-13 Apr), alongside its sister series the Avon Tyres British GT Championship. British F3 is sponsored by US tyre manufacturer Cooper Tire, and by motorsport insurance specialist AON.

2009 Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International SeriesProvisional calendar11-13 Apr, Oulton Park25/26 Apr, Donington Park2/3 May, Silverstone30/31 May, Rockingham6/7 Jun, Hockenheim, Germany4/5 Jul, Snetterton24/25 Jul, Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium15/16 Aug, Silverstone29/30 Aug, Bucharest, Romania19/20 Sep, Brands Hatch