BTCC Chief Executive Alan Gow has highlighted the F4 British Championship certified by FIA as ‘the place to be’ for aspiring single seater stars as a new era for the category kicks off in 2022.
Britain’s version of the global FIA Formula 4 concept will return to the high-profile BTCC support package in 2022 with a fresh look in the form of Tatuus’ second-generation car, powertrains supplied by Abarth and a switch to Pirelli tyres.
The constant will be 30 action-packed races held across 10 events on eight of the UK’s premier venues up and down the country, with capacity trackside crowds and live, free-to-air television coverage on the ITV network.
Spectators at BTCC events have been treated to an advance preview of several rising stars in recent times, including McLaren Formula 1 star Lando Norris, IndyCar hot prospect Colton Herta, Formula 2 points leader Oscar Piastri, Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award winner Johnathan Hoggard and, more recently, newly-crowned champion Matthew Rees on their pathway to the sport’s top tables.
Although not a path often trodden, several stars of the BTCC – including Ashley Sutton and Dan Cammish – can trace their formative years as professional drivers to British F4’s spiritual predecessors on their route to tin-top fame.
More recently, graduates of the category to have graced the BTCC ranks include podium finisher Ricky Collard and seasoned regulars Jack Butel and Sam Smelt.
“It’s a very significant period for the F4 British Championship as it completes the switch to a new generation of car, as well as new engine and tyre providers,” explained Gow.
“We’re delighted with its continued presence on the BTCC support bill and I’m confident our spectators, both at the circuit and watching at home on ITV4, will continue to enjoy quality racing and the opportunity to ‘talent spot’ their favourite drivers for the future.
“Motorsport UK have embarked on an exciting new journey with the category, and I’m sure it will continue to be the definitive route for drivers embarking on the FIA’s single-seater pathway in years to come.”
