Pirelli-supported series changes dates after British GP moveThe Prototype Cup and GT Cup have tweaked their calendars for 2017 after the Formula 1 British Grand Prix was moved back a week to July 16.
It means the two Pirelli-supported, Bute Motorsport-organised series have had to bring their Silverstone date forward to July 1-2, and will now be the final races at the track before the Grand Prix.
The Snetterton event will now take place on August 12-13, while the GT Cup’s visit to Oulton Park moves forward to July 29.
2017 Prototype Cup and GT Cup calendar April 22-23: Donington Park (National) May 20-21: Brands Hatch (Grand Prix) June 9-11: Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium July 1-2: Silverstone (Grand Prix) July 29: Oulton Park (International, GT Cup only) August 12-13: Snetterton (300) September 16-17: Donington Park (Grand Prix) October 14-15: Snetterton (300, GT Cup only)
Radical champion moves into Pirelli-equipped British GTBritish GT squad Macmillan Racing has completed its driver pairing for its move into the GT3 class, with James Littlejohn to share the team’s Aston Martin with Jack Mitchell.
Littlejohn, 28, is the reigning Radical European Masters champion, and has also had success in historic racing. His full British GT move will come 10 years after he made two appearances in the series during 2007.
“The British GT Championship is arguably the country’s most competitive racing series and one I’ve been eager to have a crack at,” he said.
“Macmillan Racing may be a new team but they’ve already proved they have what it takes and with the full back-up of Aston Martin Racing for 2017, I know we have the potential to spring a few surprises on the regular front-runners.
“The team was really welcoming when we tested together and it immediately felt like home. I can’t wait!”
Macmillan will also continue in the GT4 class, with a team-mate for William Phillips to be announced in the new year.
Giugliano arrives in British Superbikes on Pirelli tyresDavide Giugliano will join the Pirelli-supported MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship next season.
The 27-year-old Italian is a 14-time podium finisher in the World Superbikes, also on Pirelli tyres. He will ride for the Tyco BMW team alongside Christian Iddon, who claimed six BSB podiums in his debut season.
“I’m very happy to be joining the Tyco BMW team for my first season in the British Superbike Championship,” said Giugliano.
“I have ridden on some of the British circuits already during my time in World Superbike, and will look forward to testing and racing on the others next year.
“British Superbike is a very popular championship with big crowds and I know the British public is passionate about their racing; a bit like the Italian supporters, so I’m hoping to gain many fans with Tyco BMW next season.
“I know having raced against the BMW S1000RR it is a strong package with a lot of potential, so I’m looking forward to getting started and showing what we can do in BSB.”
American racer Owen to race in Pirelli-supplied British F3American driver Chase Owen will race in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship in 2017.
Owen, who hails from Houston, Texas, will drive for the Hillspeed with Cliff Dempsey Racing team, having this year finished runner-up in the Formula Ford 1600 National Championship for Cliff Dempsey Racing in his first season in Europe. The 24-year-old only began racing recently after winning the 2014 Skip Barber IndyCar Academy Shootout.
“I am beyond excited to compete next year in British F3,” said Owen. “I am certain it is a huge step up but it will prove an invaluable training ground and stepping stone into the higher-level formulae.
“Signing for the team was a no-brainer for me as I raced Formula Ford under Cliff in 2016 and he has taught me much of what I know in my short career, and has become like family to me.
“In the few test days I've run in the F3 car, I couldn't be more happy with the entire team and how the car feels. It’s by far the most powerful car, combined with the most aero, I have ever driven. I am so excited to get 2017 pre-season testing underway and have full confidence we will be competing with the best.”
