The BRDC F3 season moves a step closer
The 2017 BRDC British Formula 3 season moved a step closer as the teams and drivers competing in this year’s series came together for the annual joint British GT/F3 Media Day (28 March) at Snetterton. There was plenty of action both on and off the track, with a press conference, on track running and a number of driver announcements taking place throughout the course of the day as the excitement ahead of the first round of the UK’s premier single-seater championship was raised another notch.
With the media beginning to assemble and fans taking advantage of free entry to the Norfolk circuit, Hillspeed with Cliff Dempsey Racing announced the completion of its three-car, capacity British F3 line-up with German teenager Nick Worm joining the team. That marks a strong return to the category for the Hathersage-based outfit, with Worm now lining up alongside American Chase Owen and Brit Jordan Cane at the team. There was yet more exciting driver news before the Tatuus-Cosworth cars hit the 300 circuit too with five-time British F3 race winner Toby Sowery announcing his return to the championship with Lanan Racing. Sowery becomes the highest placed driver from 2016, as he finished third overall, to return to BRDC British Formula 3 and he will immediately be amongst the favourites to claim this year’s crown.
After early morning fog had lifted, the cars took to the track for a brief half-hour session, which was subsequently topped by the Carlin car of James Pull. Following that, the championship tracking shots took place and during the lunch break, a joint press conference was held with Giles Butterfield, MSV’s Group Head of Operations and Benjamin Franassovici, British GT Championship Manager, taking to the stage. British F3 drivers Cameron Das and Jamie Chadwick also spoke to the media as the upcoming season was previewed. The afternoon brought more on track running for the assembled teams, with Toby Sowery and Ben Hingeley amongst the fastest drivers, as fans were able to get up close and personal with the cars as they were prepared for action in the paddock. The 2017 BRDC British Formula 3 season kicks off in just over two week’s time at Oulton Park on Easter Weekend (April 15-17).
