Teamcraft enter British F3

Teamcraft Motorsport has been set up in partnership between ex-A1 GP duo James Robinson and Les Jones, who have brought staff with them from the beleaguered series.

Former Williams F1 man Robinson, who engineered Mike Conway to the 2006 British F3 title with Double R Racing, will act as the team's technical director, while Jones will play the role of team manager.

The Silverstone-based outfit shook down the first of its cars on the National circuit last Friday with Formula Renault UK champion Dean Smith behind the wheel.

"We've brought together a first class team of people and believe we can be a major player in British F3," said Robinson. "The Mygale-Mercedes package, although unloved by many, is already proven as a race winner and in our hands we are confident we can be competitive.

"We've set out to be winners within the first year. We're not just targeting a race or two, we plan to challenge for the championship podium."

McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award finalist Smith completed 89 laps at the team's maiden test last week. He hopes to link up with Teamcraft again for a second test, likely to be at either Oulton Park or Snetterton, and has not ruled out racing for the squad next season.

"I want to keep helping the team and the option is open to race for them, but I'm aiming for GP3," Smith told AUTOSPORT.