BRAZILIAN ACE RAZIA RACES IN BRITISH F3

Formula 1 test driver Luiz Razia is the latest young star to join the Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series.

The 21-year-old Brazilian will make his debut this weekend (1/2 May) at Silverstone at the wheel of a Motul Team West-Tec Dallara in the National class.

Razia’s inclusion boosts to 26 the grid for Rounds 4, 5 and 6 of the championship. Also on the Silverstone roster is Taiwanese racer Kevin Chen, who will partner Adderly Fong in the Sino Vision Racing team, and Indonesian Rio Haryanto, who will make his debut for CF Racing with Manor.

Three invitation class cars from ART Grand Prix are joining the pack also.

Motul Team West-Tec’s John Miller said of Razia’s signing: “It’s purely a one-off race outing at the moment, although Luiz has a continuing test programme with us. He is taking the opportunity to learn the new Silverstone Arena circuit.

“The car was competitive at Silverstone in the recent test [when it was driven by Swede Marcus Ericsson, another driver learning the track] and we think Luiz ought to go well. Hopefully we will see the car out on a regular basis with another driver soon."

Razia’s National class opposition at Silverstone comprises the two T-Sport Dallara-Mugen Hondas of Menasheh Idafar and James Cole. Razia was South American F3 Champion in 2006 and has gone on to claim race victories in GP2. He is the test and reserve driver for new F1 team Virgin Racing.

There are two free practice sessions scheduled for Silverstone on Friday, followed by qualifying and the first of the three races on Saturday. Rounds five and six take place on Sunday, sandwiching the new FIA GT1 World Championship event. A live timing screen will be available during the weekend at www.gt1world.com.

British F3 is sponsored by US tyre manufacturer Cooper Tire and is further supported by Sunoco Racing Fuels, Anglo American Oil Company and Mirror.co.uk.

For further Cooper Tires British F3 International Series information and access to hi-res photography visit www.britishf3international.com.

Follow F3 on Twitter  |   YouTube  |   blogs.mirror.co.uk/motorsport/

Issued on behalf of SRO by Max Communications

British F3 and British GT media contact: Nick Carter

T +44 (0)1530 563200

M +44 (0)7803 274701

E nick.carter@maxcomms.com