Brit F3: MSV circuits hang on Oulton outcome

SRO boss Stephane Ratel has revealed that Oulton Park is the main sticking point in his negotiations with circuit conglomerate MotorSport Vision over the 2011 British F3 schedule.

The Frenchman’s organisation, which has promoted the championship and British GT since 2004, received a request from teams not to race at the Cheshire track next season. As things stand, that would see MSV, who also own Snetterton and Brands Hatch, pulling their other venues from the bill.

Despite the Easter bank holiday meeting’s popularity, it’s understood that the team’s body, FOTA, is keen to stage five domestic and five European rounds next season, meaning some British rounds will need to be axed.

“I think the meeting at Oulton Park works really well and it always gets a big crowd,” said Ratel. “It’s well promoted by the circuit owners (MSV) and the British GT Championship certainly wants to go there. There is a desire from the F3 teams not to go in 2011 and that means Brands Hatch and Snetterton will also miss out under MSV’s conditions.

“What can you do when teams present you with a request and it is signed by every entrant on the grid?”

Ratel added that he would continue to discuss the matter with the teams.

“It’s a shame not to go to Brands but attitudes change quickly,” he said. “I hear there are plans for a revamp at Snetterton. Maybe teams will want to go there when that happens. We will discuss it more with FOTA.

Catch this year’s remaining British F3 rounds from Snetterton and Brands Hatch on Motors TV.

Tom Hornsby