Adding further impetus to the UK’s world-class motorsports industry, the reigning British Formula 3 champions, Hitech Racing, have been contracted to develop the ‘Superleague Formula’ car, which will feature in the new football club branded motorsports series.
Built by Elan Motorsport Technologies in the US, and powered by engines designed and built by Menard Competition Technologies in the UK, Hitech Racing will test the cars in a two-week programme, which will hit the track for the first time at Donington Park next week.
“I have been talking with Robin Webb at Superleague Formula over the past couple of years and we were originally discussing the possibility of running a team in the series,” said Formula 3 team manager David Hayle (pictured) – a Manchester United fan.
“That evolved into the idea of overseeing the test programme for the car. It is a great extension of the work we undertake in Formula 3 where we run wind tunnel programmes, simulations, transmission development and tyre development programmes.”
Silverstone-based Hitech’s goal is ‘to iron out any possible bugs, develop a strong base set up and ensure excellent reliability’, before the Superleague Formula prototype undertakes six, three- day tests in southern Europe over the next four months.
The cars will then be assembled at Elan’s UK base at Van Dieman Motorsports in Norfolk. Commenting on the Superleague Formula concept, Hayle added, “I think once things kick off it is going to be huge – it will capture the imagination of a lot of people. It is combining two of the biggest sport in the world. Getting that passion from the football crowd into a motorsport environment will be excellent."
The new series will see 20 cars line up for the debut race at Donington Park, August 30-31, in the livery of some of the world's leading football clubs, including AC Milan, FC Porto, PSV Eindhoven, Corinthians – and a Premier League team soon to be announced.
