Avon Tyres Racing clinch British F3 tyre deal.

Avon Racing continues its long involvement with British Formula 3 with the announcement of a new deal with the BRDC.

The championship will now be called Green Flag British F3 Championship with Avon Tyres, extending an association dating back to 1982.

The concept of PowerTour proved its worth during the 2000 season with three main British championships, GT's, F3's and Saloon Cars. With close exciting racing, more TV coverage, and an increase in spectators from previous years, it has gone from strength to strength.

The tour in 2001 will be a series of twelve racing events, visiting the country's leading circuits, with some new venues including, Knockhill in Scotland and Castle Combe in Wiltshire. The championship will also run with two other Avon-shod championships, Zetec Formula Ford and the Ford Fiesta Zetecs.

Julian Baldwin, director of Motorsport for Cooper-Avon Tyres, said: "F3 and Avon have become synonymous over the past few decades during which over 300 F3 races have been won on our tyres, and we are delighted that this association is to continue.

"The list of drivers to achieve glory from competing in British F3 using our tyres is a who's who of racing, including Senna, Hill, Hakkinen, Herbert, Button, Coulthard, Barrichello and the newly crowned Indycar champ, Gil de Ferran."

"Other countries have Formula 3 championships but the British series is widely acknowledged as the strongest, attracting drivers from all around the world."

Cooper-Avon's racing division supplies tyres worldwide and has recorded over 100 winners in various championships throughout the world this year.