The 2013 MINI Challenge calendar will feature its first European event in six years as the series prepares to visit the Netherlands in September to take on the demanding Zandvoort circuit.
Entering its ninth season, the MINI Challenge uses Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli as the championships sole tyre supplier, where a mix of MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper Class entries take to the grid on some of Britains best-loved race circuits.
This years MINI Challenge will kick off with four races at Snetterton 300 from 67 April, and will be shortly followed by a futher three races at the iconic Brands Hatch GP circuit the following month. From 2223 June, Brands Hatchs Indy circuit will host round three of the MINI Challenge as part of the Motorsport Visions popular MINI Festival event.
Two races will be held at Oulton Park in July, followed by two races at Castle Combe at the start of August. Famed for its fast, sweeping corners, Zandvoort will provide the MINI Challenge with a new challenge as competitiors tackle three races at the tricky Dutch circuit from 78 September. The season will once again culminate with a thrilling finale at Donington Park from 2829 September.
Pirelli Tyre motorsport operations manager, Matthew Corby, said: The MINI Challenge has been growing from strength to strength over the past few years and we are pleased to support the championship as it moves to the continent for 2013. The calendar already features some of Britains best race circuits, but will also provide a new challenge as it moves to Zandvoort whhich is renowned for its famous Tarzanbocht (Tarzan corner) hairpin. MINIs have always been an integral part of British culture and we are delighted to support the MINI Challenge for what promises to be another exciting season of racing ahead.
Series promoter Antony Williams added: We wanted to go bigger and better for next seasons calendar to provide even more of a test for the drivers and were delighted with the fixtures weve lined up.
The MINI Challenge is enjoying a lot of interest at the moment so we felt that the time was right to go back into Europe. Zandvoort is also a perfect venue because its easy to access. It is also a very demanding circuit, and with three races taking place there it should play a key role in the championship fight. MSVR has helped enormously in putting together such a strong calendar and were looking forward to another special year for the MINI Challenge, Williams concluded.
