2014 BRDC Formula 4 Championship gets underway on Yokohama tyres

This weekend sees the first round of the 2014 BRDC Formula 4 Championship, using Yokohama control tyres throughout the field.

This year’s series looks set to provide as much excitement and racing action as the inaugural season in 2013, with new and returning drivers from around the world competing in one of the most cost-effective single seat categories in motorsport.

The first year of competition was a resounding success, with 24-strong grids of identical cars at every meeting. Not only did each race weekend feature three races, each also saw superstars from motorsport, such as Mark Webber and Jenson Button on hand to present trophies as well as offer advice and support to the field.

This year, the opening round is again at Silverstone on the GP circuit and sees no less than 12 nationalities on the grid. Eight drivers are from the UK, including Struan Moore and Sennan Fielding who return for a second season. Winter Series race winner Will Palmer also drives while up-and-coming driver George Russell, who claimed 13 karting titles in five years, will make his F4 debut this weekend.

There will also be drivers from South Africa, Mexico, Venezuela, India, America, Denmark, Holland and Brazil. In fact, the Brazilian driver Gaetano di Mauro has the former Formula One driver Rubens Barrichello involved in an advisory role, providing valuable guidance throughout the season.

All will be fighting for the ultimate prize, of a test in a GP3 car at the Abu Dhabi circuit with Arden Motorsport.

Just like last year, the cars will be identical, with individual drivers able to make slight set-up changes to get the most from their machine. All will again use Yokohama ADVAN A005 dry slick and A006 wet tyres, with support from motorsport distributor, Adams & Page and Yokohama tyre technicians.