as “Best of British Motorsport” line-up takes shape

One of the UK’s most celebrated championships, the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain, has a new home in 2009 as Motors TV continues its crusade to offer the very “Best of British Motorsport”.

The High Speed Television Channel has bolstered its national and club championship portfolio this year in response to the growing numbers re-discovering domestic motorsport as an alternative to costly international series in the wake of the global financial downturn.

Considered by many industry insiders to still be an essential first step on the long path to superstardom, the British championship is the Formula Ford category of choice for international drivers. 

Thanks to skinny tyres, rudimentary aerodynamics and no driver aids, aspiring racers learn the finer points of their art in what some even regard the last pure embodiment of single-seater motorsport.

With so many junior championships having sprung up in recent decades, it is testament to the quality of the series that it remains a popular rung on the ladder for drivers straight out of karting. Last year British Formula Ford was revitalised as young hopefuls flocked to take advantage of its full grids and low-cost thrills, a stage that’s set for a repeat performance in 2009.

Motors TV has coverage of all nine rounds and 25 races from the 2009 campaign thanks to nine, half hour programmes throughout the season.

Motors TV’s Head of Programming and Acquisitions, Frederic Viger, said “Motorsport fans around the world know how important and prestigious it is to compete and win in British Formula Ford. You only have to look at the impressive international driver line-up to realise how highly regarded the championship is. Some of the sport’s most recognisable names cut their teeth there when junior categories were few and far between and I think it says much for the championship that it’s not only survived in the face of their increasing numbers, but that it’s actually enjoying a renaissance just now. Considering that Motors TV will be showcasing the “Best of British Motorsport” in 2009, it was vital that we became a part of that.”

Catch MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain coverage on Saturdays from 7pm in Motors TV’s regular Best of British Motorsport slot. Tune in on April 25 to see the season opener from Oulton Park.