Baker aims to improve Performance.

Former Menu Motorsport team principal Mike Baker has joined British F3 International Series squad Performance Racing as commercial director.

Baker will work on developing the team from its current National Class program to the main Championship Class category, with the plan being to enter the top Formula 3 category in 2006 with selected events such as the BP Masters and the Macau GP as well as rounds in British F3 or the German Recaro F3 Cup.

"I am happy that Mike accepted this offer," team manager, Bobby Issazadhe said. "I have worked together with Mike since 2003 and know him well. He will give a great boost to this important stage of our team's development. We have acquired a Dallara F306 and equipment for our future British F3 Championship Class program and with Mike on board we have also added experience and top knowledge."

Baker himself said he was delighted to take up the offer to join the team, and said the focus was now firmly on finding a driver to run the Championship Class car.

"I am very excited to take up Bobby's offer to work with him on the future development of Performance Racing," he said. "The aim is to expand to undertake a limited Championship Class programme in 2006 as well as taking part in the BP Masters and Macau GP with one car and then progress to a full assault on the Championship in 2007.

"It has become obvious to me teams now have to have a wider base from which to operate from and by running both National and Championship Class cars, Performance drivers will be able to start and finish their F3 racing careers within a positive, structured environment.

"Such a programme should be of interest to countries involved in A1 GP, who could invest in drivers gaining, experience in F3 prior to graduating to A1, as Salvador Duran has shown, F3 and British F3 at that is the best series in the world.

"A car is already sitting there, now all we need is a driver."