Teams consider BTCC package move

Ratel will give the teams one month to decide which way they want to go, but the decision is likely to hinge on whether the details of the proposed switch to the TOCA-run BTCC meetings, which draw much bigger crowds than the current F3 events, can be arranged in time.

T-Sport boss, and F3 teams' association vice president, Russell Eacott said: "Stephane will make his offer at Monza. He'll outline his package and probably say 'if you like it, let's do it'. If we don't, he'll wish us luck wherever else we go.

"We'll wait and see what he comes up with, then see what other offers follow it, and decide what we want to do."

If the series is to part with SRO, another organisation will have to be ready to run and market the championship in time for next season.

Hitech Racing boss David Hayle added: "I don't think it's a secret that there are two options being discussed, but we don't know the finer details of a possible move to TOCA yet. We need to have two viable options to weigh up before we can decide which one is best for British F3."

But SRO are confident they can offer the teams an attractive enough package for them to stay on the current bill.

"We hope they consider our option as a strong and stable platform for the growth of British F3 as a deserved headline event and not a support series," said an SRO spokesman.

"The package will include the benefits associated with dual headline status, European races on Formula One circuits, and unique events such as the Bucharest street race.

"We believe it's important to create a package that will attract the top young drivers from around the world to further establish the British series as the leading F3 category."