Driver changes for Summerfest.

The British Formula three series will have undergone something of personnel reshuffle by the time it arrives at Silverstone this weekend, with changes to both the Championship and Scholarship class line-ups.

Whilst Westley Barber's move to reigning champions Manor Motorsport has been well documented, his replacement at Alan Docking Racing has also been confirmed. Originally slated for a one-off outing, Marcos Ambrose's performance at Croft was sufficient for an Australian sponsor to produce enough funds for the Tasmanian to see out the season with the Silverstone outfit. Having endured a trying time after moving to the French series for 2000, Ambrose now hopes to use the final four British rounds as a showcase for next year.

Less fortunate appears to be Rob Austin, who suffered leg injuries before the season started, and missed out on a seat for 2000. He has since tested with Carlin Motorsport, and expected to join the team at Zandvoort for the Marlboro Masters, but neither this, nor a drive in the British series, appears to have materialised.

In the Scholarship class, Philip Hopkins and Craig Fleming are likely to join Marcel Romanio on the sidelines after less than successful campaigns. Hopkins has decided to stand down from the family of his own accord, while Fleming has parted company with ME Motorsport, whose car will be driven at Silverstone's Summerfest by former FRenault runner Chris Buncombe. Hopkins' car will be handled by Italian Enzo Buscaglia, who makes his second appearance of the year, after trying out with Meritus at Croft.

The former Alfa Romeo saloon racer's move was prompted by Meritus' prior arrangement to run Swede Peter Nilsson alongside Atsushi Katsumata at Silverstone.

[Source: Formula Three Association]