Silverstone Racing School, the UK's centre of excellence for racing driver tuition and coaching, today announced its plans for the 2004 BRDC Single Seater Championship, including the introduction of a £30,000 Scholarship Fund, to be awarded to the new champion at the end of the season.

The series is widely regarded as the proving ground for aspiring racing drivers, providing the ideal apprenticeship for those in the early stages of their careers - 2001 Champion, Daniel Clarke, is now a front runner in Formula Ford. In addition to the Scholarship Fund, the series winner will receive support and advice from Silverstone Racing School and a test drive with championship-winning F3 team, Alan Docking Racing.

Competitors are guaranteed a full season of racing, comprising of 14 races at all the major circuits in the country. Silverstone in particular, offers drivers the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Formula One champions at the Home of the British Grand Prix. Participants also benefit from the luxury of exclusive test sessions and comprehensive tuition from Silverstone Racing School's professional team of instructors - all of whom have competed and won at either national or international level.

Drivers compete in SRS prepared Zetec Formula Ford cars, which have identical set-ups, uniquely enabling competitors to maximise their progress and performance on a level playing field.

The championship also offers outstanding value for money. A full season of racing with Arrive & Drive convenience, along with the highest level of coaching from fully qualified instructors, is available from as little as £23,500.

The series focuses on maximising driver development, with the highlight of the season being competitive rounds at British F3 events and the season finale at the Formula Ford Festival in October. In addition to this, Alan Docking Racing will provide an opportunity for every driver in the series to attend an official F3 test day as a guest of the team.

Ken Bowes, Manager of Silverstone Racing School, commented: "Silverstone Racing School is delighted to announce its plans for the forthcoming BRDC Single Seater Championship. The 2004 series will enable us to build on our reputation for providing the best value for money in the sport."

Bowes continued: "We firmly believe that the standard of coaching provided and the opportunity to compete on a level playing field, provide the perfect arena for drivers to maximise their rate of development and level of competitiveness. Our Scholarship Fund will be a significant boost for the 2004 Champion, while the opportunity to test a Formula Three car with Alan Docking Racing is the icing on the cake. All of our previous champions have gone on to win at higher levels in the sport, which says a great deal about the standard of our series."

To apply for this year's BRDC Single Seater Championship, or for further information about Silverstone Racing School, visit silverstonemotorsport.co.uk or call 01327 320412.

2004 BRDC Single Seater Championship Calendar

April 3rd & 4th  -  Donington ParkApril 17th & 18th  -  SilverstoneMay 3rd  -  SilverstoneJune 12th & 13th -  Brands HatchJuly 3rd  -   Oulton ParkJuly 24th & 25th -  SilverstoneSeptember 25th & 26th  -  CroftOctober 16th & 17th  -  Brands Hatch

2004 Prices                                                               

Class A - Van Diemen Formula Fords - £29,500 (+VAT)

Class B - Zeus Formula Fords - £23,500 (+VAT)

Race by race -  Prices available on request