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Exciting changes are in store
for the Formula Renault BARC Championship as it becomes a single-class series
in 2009. The low-cost single-seater series will be solely for Formula Renault
2.0 cars, which have identical chassis to those used in the BTCC-supporting
Formula Renault UK Championship. The successful club-level series is now
established as the ideal starting point for a single-seater career, while
retaining its club racing values.
The last four seasons have
seen a sustained level of interest in the series, which offers the chance to
race modern carbon-fibre cars at club level. A mix of young and experienced
racers, privateers and established teams and manufacturer support make it
currently the strongest single-seater championship in the UK.
Ten drivers who raced in
Formula Renault UK in 2007 and 2008 have previously raced in Formula Renault
BARC, including new Formula Renault UK Graduate Cup champion Dean Stoneman.
Meanwhile, Hywel Lloyd made the step straight into Formula Three, demonstrating
the superb opportunities for progression.
Registrations have reached
capacity in the last two seasons as the championship has gone from strength to
strength since coming under Renault Sport UK’s wing in 2005. In
anticipation of an equally large grid the points system is changing to reward
the top 20 finishers.
The change reflects the
system used in Formula Renault UK, meaning the race winner will receive 32
points with 28 and 25 for second and third. The bonus point for pole position
is being dropped, replaced by two points for the fastest lap of the race.
An increase in the per round
prize fund sees the top six finishers receiving prize money, from £200 for the
race winner to £50 for sixth place. The total prize fund will now be £700 per
round.
New for 2009 is the Privateer
Cup, open to all competitors who register as driver entries. Privateer drivers
have made a major contribution to the development of the championship and the
new award is designed to reflect their valued participation. The champion
Privateer will receive a trophy and a cheque for £500 at the end of the season.
Commenting on the changes,
Championship Manager Simon North said: “Formula Renault BARC is a
championship we’re very proud of in the way it has grown since Renault
Sport UK became involved in 2005. With the switch to a single class, it’s
an ideal time to make improvements such as rewarding a larger percentage of the
field with championship points.
“The Privateer Cup is
very important because it ensures the series is not only for young drivers
looking to start a single-seater career, but also for those who want to
experience club racing in state-of-the-art cars. The fact that privateer racers
can pit their skills against up and coming youngsters is a fascinating element
of the championship.”
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