The Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series begins this weekend at the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire, with arguably some of the strongest young drivers in any top-class junior single-seater series. Nineteen drivers will compete across the three classes to fight for the coveted title of 2013 Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Champion.
 


Just six months ago the future of British F3 was unclear and something had to change. What resulted is a four-weekend super series, racing at four of the most revered circuits in Northern Europe, three of which are current Formula 1 tracks, superb TV broadcast opportunities and an overwhelming amount of support for the future of British F3 to be saved.
 


The two-tier structure of Formula 3 continues, with the top class remaining as the ‘International’ category and the ‘National’ class for older, non FIA specification chassis and engines. New for 2013, there will also be an ‘Invitation’ class for cars racing in alternative specifications.
 


Seven teams will battle it out this weekend over the course of the three races, reigning champions Carlin return looking for a sixth successive drivers title and Trevor Carlin’s outfit have a talented trio of drivers in Canadian, Nicholas Latifi, and British racers Jordan King and Jann Mardenborough, all will be competing in the International class.
 


Bringing some series punch to the series are Fortec Motorsports with a driver line-up that consists of three proven Formula 3 race winners, Felipe Guimares (Brazil), William Buller (GBR) and 2012 British F3 title contender, Puerto Rican, Felix Serralles. Again, all three Fortec drivers will run in the International class.
 


Italian driver, Antonio Giovinazzi and Indonesian, Sean Gelael, will ensure that Double R Racing has a strong fight in the 2013 International class competition. Joining the pair is the first female participant in British F3’s top class since Keiko Ihara in 2006, Colombian, Tatiana Calderón.