GT3 boost for British Championship?

Over 30 cars were present for some rounds last year, but there were just 12 on the grid at Snetterton last weekend.

Rising costs and the increased competitiveness of the series have been blamed and it is hoped that the much cheaper GT3 can solve these problems.

The GT3 spec cars in the Marcos Mantis Challenge will join the grid for the Silverstone GP and Spa rounds to test the water later in the season.

The idea has met with a positive reception from the drivers and teams.

Reigning GT1 champion Tim Sugden said, 'The quality at the front-end of the grid is very good, but I applaud anything that makes the series strong.'

The series was dealt a further blow when the G-Force Porsche team had to withdraw one of its two GT1 cars, blaming a rule-change by the BRDC which required the alteration of the braking system.

'It's a hideously expensive job and we didn't have time to change it on both cars,' explained a team spokesman.