Comtec joins packed Formula 4 entry

Norfolk-based Comtec, whose driver Nick Yelloly currently lies fourth in Formula Renault 3.5, will run three cars in the new British single-seater series.

Team manager John Benett is hopeful the new category will allow Comtec to engage with young drivers at an earlier stage in their careers.

"The step is a bit too much from Formula 4 to World Series, but it's a good formula to get involved with at the grass roots level," Benett told AUTOSPORT.

"We looked at [Formula Renault 2.0] Eurocup, which would have fitted in well with our current programme, but unfortunately it's oversubscribed at the moment.

"Palmer [series boss Jonathan] knows what he's doing and it's nice to get involved at the first knockings.

"It's time we had a junior formula that's affordable and organised properly."

Walkinshaw Racing will run a two-car squad in BRDC F4 from its UK base in Chipping Norton.

Ken Page, who was part of the original TWR operation that ran Volvos in the British Touring Car Championship and competed in Formula 1 until the early 2000s, will lead the team.

Page said: "We're absolutely delighted to re-launch Walkinshaw Racing as a team in the UK again.

"It's something we have been considering for a while and we feel the time is right to add to our other operations around the world."

The championship has now allocated cars for all 24 spots on its inaugural grid, barely a month since it was launched in September.

BRDC FORMULA 4 TEAMS

Chris Dittmann Racing  1 car
Comtec                 3 cars
Douglas Motorsport     2 cars
HHC Motorsport         2 cars
Hillspeed              2 cars
Lanan Racing           2 cars
MGR                    2 cars
Motionsport            2 cars
MTECH Lite             2 cars
SWB Motorsport         1 car
Walkinshaw Racing      2 cars

3 further cars have been sold to privateers