The exciting pit-stop races successfully trialled in the Cooper Tires British F3 International Series this season are to become a regular feature of the championship in 2011, with compulsory wheel changes introduced to add further thrills and enhance the teamwork element.
Further developments planned by championship promoter SRO and organising body the British Automobile Racing Club include an overhaul of the National class - which is to be renamed the Rookie Championship - to attract a greater number of new drivers.
SRO Motorsports Group general manager Lisa Crampton says that it is hoped a pit stop race will be possible at five of the 10 planned ‘triple-header’ meetings. “We want pit stop races at the circuits where the pit lane is large enough to accommodate it, for obvious safety reasons, and we would also like the pit stop race to be the longer, third race of the weekend which will offer a larger and safer pit stop window,” says Crampton. “BARC, the race director and SRO all agree that race three is the best option from a safety point of view.”
Each car will be required to have two of its wheels changed during the mandatory pit call. This year’s experiment - trialled at Rockingham and Silverstone - required only a stop-go pit visit. Technicalities will include the use of a standardised wheel gun and wheel retention device as cost-control measures.
SRO is currently negotiating with circuits both in the UK and abroad to secure a competitive 30-race calendar for British F3. It is likely that in 2011 there will be four events at Grand Prix-standard tracks in mainland Europe. “We don’t want to release the calendar until it is 100 per cent correct,” adds Crampton, “and we are working hard to avoid clashes with other major events. We hope to have it finalised by early October.”
The National Class will from next year be known as the Rookie Championship, and the International Class as the International Championship: “We want to promote the Rookie Championship as an affordable way to begin an F3 career, an ideal starting point for those with a smaller budget to get invaluable track time at some of Europe’s leading Grand Prix circuits.” The 2011 Rookie Champion will win a free entry into the following season’s International Championship.
BARC competitions manager Dale Wells said: “The new developments announced today can only serve to improve the experience and expertise of teams and drivers alike and cement the position of the Cooper Tires British F3 International Series as the leader in the rankings of Formula 3 championships worldwide.”
