Pau Deal '90 Percent' Certain

Championship co-coordinator Jeremy Lord reckons that the deal is very close to being finalised for the series' maiden street race to be held in June.

Lord told Autosport-Atlas: "It would be our first street race in our history. Pau would be the jewel in our crown and give our drivers street race experience, which is what Formula One teams are looking for. Yes, there is Macau's one-off event, but not everyone goes to Macau.

"It is a fantastic calendar and gives us the British series more to offer to prospective F3 drivers."

The 2006 calendar, which has been unveiled, has two more overseas events - at Spa-Francorchamps and Imola - supporting FIA GT meetings.

The exact dates on which the Thruxton and Croft races will be held have yet to be confirmed.

Oulton Park, Snetterton and Brands Hatch return to the series after a one-year absence after circuit owners MSV agreed terms with promoters SRO.

2006 Calendar:

April 15/16/17  Oulton Park
May 6/7         Silverstone
May 20/21       Donington Park
June 3/4        Pau*
June 24/25      Mondello Park
July 15/16      Snetterton
July 29/30      Spa
August 13/14    Croft*
September 2/3   Brands Hatch Grand Prix
September 16/17 Imola

* To be confirmed