British Karting Champion Mark Litchfield (Rocester, Staffordshire) has confirmed he will return to the Formula A class of the Renault-sponsored domestic championships this year to defend the title he won in such dominant fashion in 2004.
With five points-scoring Finals victories and three other podium finishes to his credit during the season, Litchfield elected to sit-out the final meeting of the year at Larkhall in order to preserve his championship lead and avoid any unnecessary points penalties which could have threatened his title bid.
As it turned out, Litchfield’s absence meant he won the Formula A crown by 24 points from nearest rival David Gregory (Sheffield), the latter having won the final race of the season to cement the runner-up spot in the championship.
Commenting on his title-winning season and looking ahead to his championship defense, Litchfield said: “Last season was great and I was delighted to become British Karting Champion, following the long line of big names who have won the title in the past. The 2005 season will be a great challenge with some established names and new faces to Formula A – I can’t wait for the first round in March.”
Litchfield will line-up against the likes of Formula A regulars Gary Catt (Andover, Hampshire) and Jason Parrott (Peterborough) this year, while 2003 British Junior Karting Champion (Formula JICA) Riki Christodoulou (Sutton Cioldfield, West Midlands) steps up to Formula A along with reigning JICA titlist Craig Copeland (Wimborne, Dorset).
It has also been announced, top drivers from the 2005 Renault UK-backed Formula A class will not only be aiming for title glory during the forthcoming season – they also have the chance to impress in a bid to secure a place on a specially-arranged Formula Renault UK and ELF Renault Clio Cup test day at Croft Circuit in October.
Arranged by Renault Sport UK and multiple champion team Manor Motorsport, the initiative aims to give the cream of British karting talent an opportunity to experience a Formula Renault 2.0 car for the first time. In addition, Renault Sport UK will also link up with one of its Clio Cup teams to offer the same opportunity in one of the incredible saloon cars.
In conjunction with leading weekly publication Motorsport News, which features all the latest news from the worlds of karting and Formula Renault UK each and every Wednesday, a yet-to-be-determined panel of experts will keep a keen eye on the 2005 karting season with great interest before deciding who will receive an invitation to the test on Tuesday, 25th October.
The opening round of the Renault-sponsored British Karting Championship Formula A class takes place on Sunday, 6th March, at Three Sisters circuit near Wigan.
For the latest British Championship Karting news visit the official Renault Sport UK website www.renaultsport.co.uk built by Racecar
