Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography
Motorsport UK has announced further changes to British Formula 4 as it prepares to take over the championship next year.
Up until now the championship has been organised by RacingLine together with Ford Performance, but the UK governing body will be in charge as of 2022.
It’s similarly seeking a partner during its stewardship of the series, a concern British F4 teams initially had when the takeover was announced as a solo operator in August.
“Motorsport UK invites tenders from Motorsport UK-recognised Race Organising Clubs (Tenderer) for the right to co-promote and act as local organiser for the British F4 championship from the 1st January 2022 for a period of up to three years,” read a press release from Motorsport UK.
“The successful party will enter a contract to act as lead club local organiser for the championship and related events and will collaborate with Motorsport UK on all elements pertaining to the organisation of the championship.
“It is already confirmed that the Championship will continue to be run on the British Touring Car Championship calendar.
“Interested parties are invited to submit proposals with Motorsport UK by the closing date of 12 noon on Wednesday 13th October 2021 to be sent to [race, speed and kart executive] Cheryl Lynch.”
The second-generation Tatuus T-421 car will replace the existing Mygale chassis in the series for 2022, and Abarth will succeed Ford as engine supplier.
The car will feature a new onboard signalling system being introduced to the BTCC and its supports as a safety feature.
LED lights will be added to the cockpit, and can be used by race control to communicate directly with drivers by lighting them up in different colours to warn of yellow or red flags. This system with compliment the existing marshal flags and track-side LED panels at some circuits.
Track limits warnings and safety car deployments can also be communicated to the drivers via the lights. The steering wheel dash with also show the entry numbers of cars in different areas of the track that are being shown flags, and has been developed by the series’ live timing provider.
“We are entirely supportive of this innovative complementary development that is enhancing the safety of those on and around circuits,” said Hugh Chambers, the Motorsport chief executive officer and future promoter of British F4.
“These onboard visual signals are also crucial in introducing young drivers to the same safety systems they will encounter as they progress through the single seater ladder towards Formula 1. Being actively part of this new initiative will allow Motorsport UK to see first-hand how the technology develops and the broader role that such systems have to play in circuit safety going forward.”
For the third time in four years, British F4 is set to visit Thruxton twice with its planned 10-round 2022 calendar.