BRDC FORMULA 4 CHAMPIONSHIP

MotorSport Vision (MSV) has announced a groundbreaking new junior single seater series for launch in 2013. The new championship, named Formula 4, has been created to provide a much needed modern low cost series aimed at those starting single seater racing and a stepping stone to higher formulae. The British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) will partner MSV in the development and support of the series, which will be titled the BRDC Formula 4 Championship.

BRDC Formula 4 will see identical cars built around a chassis designed by the RFR company now headed by Ralph Firman, who founded and ran the legendary Van Diemen operation. Latest technology spaceframe construction will provide the optimal balance of strength, low cost and ease of repair, and the chassis will meet the latest 2012 FIA safety standards and feature front and rear wings.

The cars, which will be known as MSV F4-013, will be powered by the cost effective and proven 2 litre Ford Duratec engine, developing 175bhp and featuring a Cosworth engine management system. The gearbox will be more sophisticated than any previous car at this level, being a 6 speed Sadev transmission incorporating paddle shift. Cosworth will also supply the gearbox control system. The cars will run on slick and wet compound tyres provided by Yokohama.

Teams are encouraged to purchase and run the newly built BRDC Formula 4 cars alongside private family-run entries in a bid to create a healthy and competitive paddock. Teams wishing to join the championship will be limited to running a maximum of four cars. The cost of participation is expected to range from £35,000 for a private entrant to £70,000 for a professional team.

MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: "It is clear that British motorsport needs a new single seater championship that really attracts the young talent of today to produce large competitive grids of drivers aiming for F1. At MSV we have used all of our considerable experience and judgment to launch what I think is a compelling package which I believe will re-energise this sector of motor racing. I am very excited about the prospects for the BRDC Formula 4 Championship and am delighted that our vision has been shared by the BRDC, whose President Derek Warwick has already demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm and interest in the detail operation of the championship.

"We are in an era of relative austerity, which looks like continuing for some years, and it is essential we provide young single seater drivers with an affordable path to learn and prove themselves. With F4 we have focused on four key areas; providing the lowest season running costs, the lowest car purchase price, the highest levels of car equality and highest safety standards.”

F4 cars will be sold to competitors, whether teams or private entrants, who will operate the cars themselves. Jonathan explained: "We want to enable both privateers to run cars competitively and welcome teams too. At this level costs can be lower if drivers look after cars themselves, with family and friends, though we are also keen for teams, existing and new, to run cars and provide valuable support to drivers.”

Derek Warwick commented: “I have been very worried over the last few years about how our young British drivers of the future are supposed to make that big move from karting to circuit racing. Back in the day there was a relatively simple ladder if you had the talent; Formula Ford, Formula 3, Formula 2 and then Formula 1 if you were good enough. We currently have total confusion within our sport in terms of formulae, cost and the best way to gain experience in a cost effective way.

“The ‘BRDC Formula 4 Championship’ gives us exactly what our sport is missing; reliability, slicks, wings, good horsepower and affordability. Most drivers want to gain the right experience as quickly as possible before moving up the racing ladder and this is why the BRDC is backing F4 and MSV. I have known Jonathan for some 30 years and during that time he has proved that he does things right and gives 100% so this is another reason we have decided to back F4.”

MSV’s race organising division MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) will run the championship, which will see drivers take part in 24 races across eight meetings. The 2013 calendar will include Silverstone Grand Prix, Brands Hatch Grand Prix, Donington Park, Snetterton 300 and Oulton Park. BRDC F4 will support the prestigious DTM meeting at Brands Hatch and will also join selected British F3/GT events. The championship will be promoted by MSV and all races will be televised on Motors TV.

Drivers will compete in a 20 minute qualifying session followed by three 20 minute races throughout a race weekend, the second of which will feature a reverse grid. Points will be awarded down to 20th position with 30 points going to the winner. More information about the BRDC Formula 4 Championship, which is subject to MSA approval, can be found at www.formula4.com. 

Teams and drivers interested in joining the BRDC Formula 4 Championship should contact James Gornall on 01234 332439, 07872 674012 or at james.gornall@msv.com.

For all media enquiries contact Tom Phillips on 01474 875207 or at tom.phillips@msv.com.