British F3 adds Thruxton to expanded 2014 calendar

The return to the Hampshire circuit, the fastest road course for contemporary racing in Europe, has been announced by series promoter SRO along with an expansion to seven rounds.

SRO initially revealed an intention to run six events next season, as the series attempts to reinvent itself with current and 2008-11-generation chassis using the existing engines, which will become obsolete in the F3 European Championship as it switches to new powerplants.

The increase to seven rounds addresses some concerns that six would not be enough to represent a significant calendar for drivers to choose as their main programme for a season.

British F3 is scheduled to kick off at Rockingham in early May, before visiting the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, Snetterton, Spa (as support to the 24 Hours), Thruxton, Brands Hatch and Donington Park.

Double R Racing team boss Anthony 'Boyo' Hieatt, who plans to run a three-car team of Dallara F308s, said: "It makes it a proper, viable championship, and retains the aim to keep it as cheap as possible.

"But the big thing the organisers have got to do is not to have clashes with European F3. If we're going to do this cheaply, we need to be able to use the same personnel for both championships."

Talking of the return of Thruxton, Hieatt said: "It's a top, classic circuit, with great racing.

"We don't have enough quick circuits on calendars these days, and it didn't hurt Ayrton Senna too much [the Brazilian won five races at Thruxton during his F3 career]!"

2014 British Formula 3 calendar

May 3-4         Rockingham (GB)
TBA             Silverstone (GB)
June 21-22      Snetterton (GB)
July 25-26      Spa (B)
TBA             Thruxton (GB)
August 30-31    Brands Hatch (GB)
September 13-14 Donington Park (GB)