Motorsport UK, the governing body and membership organisation for UK motorsport, has today announced that it will become the organiser of the F4 British Championship certified by FIA for the next three years, with a bold vision for elevating the series.
2022 will see Motorsport UK’s introduction of the FIA’s second generation F4 car, incorporating key safety advancements. The governing body sees this shift in equipment as the right time to take the leadership role for British F4 and further develop the series as the definitive step for emerging talent building their experience and profile on the international stage. As part of the FIA single-seater pathway the championship will provide drivers with the all-important opportunity to earn Super Licence points that are crucial to reach the highest echelon on the professional ladder.
F4 certified by FIA is a globally recognised and affordable step between Karting and the FIA Formula Regional Championships certified by FIA. The category is designed for drivers to build experience in single-seaters and to compare themselves to the best talent, not only in their own country, but across other championships around the world.
Motorsport UK’s vision is for a championship that attracts the leading teams and drivers with high-quality grids and the most competitive racing. The governing body will provide a highly visible promotional platform, which includes retaining the championship’s place on the British Touring Car Championship roster, with further rounds at key events under consideration to build the drivers’ circuit experience and the profile of the series. Furthermore, Motorsport UK plans to forge strategic alliances with a number of stakeholders within the single-seater pathway to ensure the series offers entrants real prospects for progression to international series.
Motorsport UK acknowledges the important role played by Ford Performance and RacingLine in the growth of the championship during the seven seasons since its inception. Ford decided to conclude their involvement in the series and the governing body is grateful for their immense contribution, and the extensive history of Ford in driving the entire junior single-seater category since the first days of Formula Ford in 1967.
Commenting on Motorsport UK’s new remit as British F4 organiser, CEO Hugh Chambers said: “The F4 British Championship certified by FIA is embarking on an exciting new chapter and Motorsport UK is delighted to be leading its evolution. This step represents an important milestone in the governing body’s sport development strategy, and we want to further develop the series as the best platform from which rising stars can continue on their pathway to international competition. We have been conducting a tender for chassis and engine supply and we look forward to announcing those plans and more about our promotional platform shortly.”
Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, said: "We're delighted to have extended the contract with the F4 British Championship certified by FIA for another three years. It's a great series to have on our support package and we're excited about this next chapter that the championship and Motorsport UK are embarking upon."
