Outgoing Formula Renault UK car to race in 2010 Protyre series

Renault Sport UK confirmed its plans for the 2010 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship following the introduction of the New Formula Renault 2.0 race car to the British championship-level UK series.

From 2010, the outgoing Tatuus-built chassis from the UK championship will be eligible to race alongside the existing restricted engine car in the Protyre series.

The two cars will compete in a one-class championship together with a privateer class for independently-run entries. The current BARC cars are technically close to the outgoing UK model except for body work and the use of a 35mm air restrictor plate to reduce power plus fixed gear ratios.

Earlier this month, Renault Sport UK announced that the UK Championship, a prominent feature of the BTCC support package, is to feature a new car for the start of the 2010 season.

With the current UK chassis now available to race in the club-level series, organisers are anticipating a high uptake as Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship Promoter Simon North explains. “The BARC championship has grown into a proper feeder-series to the higher-level UK championship with almost ten of this year’s UK drivers progressing from it.”

Adding: “By allowing the outgoing UK car to be used alongside the existing BARC car we hope to open up the series to even more drivers and teams and continue the championship’s reputation as one of the most affordable junior single-seater categories.”

The move is also expected to increase the synergy between the two competitions with front-running UK team Fortec Motorsport intending to run four of its UK cars in the BARC series next year.

The final two rounds (12 and 13) of the 2009 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship take place at Hampshire’s Thruxton circuit on Sunday, 11th October.