New look 2010 race calendar helps to cut BARC series costs

Organisers of the Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship have restructured the 2010 race meeting calendar in a bid to help reduce competitor costs.

Next year will see a total of 12 rounds run over six double headers as opposed to the 13 rounds and seven different circuits visited in 2009. The move, which still gives teams and drivers almost the same amount of overall track time, is designed to help boost savings for competitors during the current economic climate.

After an exclusive pre-season test on 8th April at Silverstone National, the 2010 Protyre series kicks-off at Kent’s Brands Hatch Indy circuit on 17th/18th April before heading to Silverstone (8th/9th May), Croft (3rd/4th July), Snetterton (31st July/1st August) and Rockingham (11th/12 September) with the final meeting at Hampshire’s Thruxton circuit on 17th October.

The 2010 season also sees the introduction of the latest Tatuus-built car from the UK series joining with the existing BARC cars. Although the two versions have slightly different bodywork, they will run side-by-side and compete in a one-class championship together with a privateer cup for independently-run entries.

Protyre Formula Renault BARC Promoter Simon North said: “BARC and Renault Sport UK expect that by reducing the number of circuits visited in 2010 we can limit the costs incurred by teams and thus ensure that the Championship remains true to its low-cost roots.”

He added: “With the outgoing Formula Renault UK car eligible to run in the BARC series next year we’re expecting a great deal of interest which is why we’ve put together a calendar which is both cost-effective yet doesn’t compromise on track time.”