Gow criticises British F3 teams

Gow claims that he made arrangements for British F3 to join his TOCA package at their request and is aggrieved that the teams have ignored a commitment he believes they made to him.

"I was approached by individual F3 team owners who wished to explore the possibility of F3 joining the TOCA package," said Gow. "We made arrangements for them to be able to run their series profitably, without any obligation but as a matter of assistance and good will.

"A new company was formed by the chairman of FOTA and a legally binding contract for three seasons was drawn up and signed by both parties.

"We're now advised that the teams don't want to proceed with what was agreed and are extremely surprised and disappointed to learn that they've chosen to neglect the undertakings they've made to TOCA."

Gow added that he does not intend to take any action against the teams but has ruled out any future co-operation with the British F3 championship, in his capacity as TOCA boss.

"For the good of F3, we will not pursue any action. But we have absolutely no interest, either now or in the future, to deal with such a group of team owners who are willing to ignore their commitments and have proven their total inability to properly organise themselves."

The teams, however, don't believe they entered into a firm agreement with TOCA and the difference of opinion stems from former FOTA chairman Alan Docking's withdrawal from the championship.

Docking was the driving force behind the initial idea to switch to the BTCC and led the discussions with Gow, but he relinquished his post as FOTA chairman when he didn't field his team this season.

The remaining teams were still open to the idea of a switch to the BTCC package but don't have the infrastructure in place to run the championship themselves. In the absence of a firm offer for someone else to organise the series on the TOCA bill, the teams decided the only realistic option was to remain with SRO.