The MotorSport Vision Formula Three Cup, abbreviated as MSV F3 Cup, was a national motor racing series that took place primarily in the United Kingdom, with a small number of events in mainland Europe. It was a club racing series aimed towards amateur drivers and aspiring racers, and used older generation single-seaterFormula Three cars to keep costs low. The F3 Cup had three classes covering cars built between 1981 and 2011.[2][3] The series was organised by MotorSport Vision, and in 2015 it was the only Formula Three series in the United Kingdom. In 2021, Monoposto Racing Club took over the series, and Hardall International began sponsoring it.
The precursor of the MSV F3 Cup was the Toyota F3 Championship, which was founded in 1986 as a racing series for Formula Three cars using Toyota engines. Four years later, in 1990, the Toyota F3 Championship was renamed to ARP F3 Championship. It ran for 16 years before being taken over by the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC). After the transfer, BRSCC renamed ARP F3 as Club F3. In 2009, Club F3 was renamed to BRSCC F3. Later, the championship was saved by MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR), which is the racing division of MotorSport Vision. In 2011, MSVR renamed BRSCC F3 as MSV F3 Cup and relaunched it.[2][4][5]
For 2012, the club obtained championship status and from then on became known as F3 Cup.[6]
In 2021, Monoposto Racing Club took over MSV F3 Cup. Hardall International also began sponsoring the championship.[5]
The 2022 season was cancelled due to a lack of entries and protracted discussions on the composition of the championship.[4]
Equipment
Teams were allowed to use Formula Three chassis built after 1980 but before 2005.[2] This allowed teams to enter with cheaper equipment.[7] The series uses a control tyre which all drivers must use. The tyres are supplied by Avon Tyres, whose parent company supply tyres to the British Formula 3 Championship.[8] Engines would be two-litre, restricted engines, also built between 1981 and 2005.[9]
Due to the mix in ages, and therefore competitiveness of cars, the championship ran three classes.
Formula Three chassis built between 2008 and 2011 were eligible to enter the main championship from 2015.[3]
Cup Class: For cars and engines built and raced between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2007, with a maximum engine air restriction of 26mm (1.0in) diameter. From 2012, Toyota "Long Life" engines from the European F3 Open (now Euroformula Open Championship) were eligible with a 31mm (1.2in) restrictor. Opel "Long Life" engines were also permitted.
Trophy Class: For cars and engines built and raced between 1 January 1992 and 31 December 1996, with a maximum engine air restriction of up to 26mm (1.0in) diameter.
Masters Class: For cars and any engines built and raced between 1 January 1981 and 31 December 1991, with a maximum engine air restriction of up to 25mm (0.98in) diameter.
Guest Class: for other Formula Three cars joined the series or a single event under permission from the organising team.[9]
Champions
In 2011, F3 Cup was run as a series, not as a championship. There was a prize for the most meritorious driver, which was deemed to be Aaron Steele. The MSA granted F3 Cup championship status for 2012 onwards.
The championship comprised eight rounds, each with two races. Each race weekend comprised one 20-minute qualifying session and two or three 20-minute or 30-minute races.
The 2021 season featured six rounds, all held in England.[24]
Defunct championships / races are indicated in italics
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United Kingdom
