In 2004 the Formula Renault UK Championship once again forms part of the Tocatour support package. The championship will not however make the trip over to Mondello Park in Ireland with the BTCC, and will feature in a separate 'Renault Festival' at Thruxton instead.
The Formula Renault UK Championship is a proven training ground for the future stars of F1, with the likes of McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen, BMW Williams tester Antonio Pizzonia and Le Mans winner Guy Smith all having passed through the series. The drivers of the technically identical single seater cars will battle it out over the course of the season, enjoying two races at every Tocatour meeting in 2004. This year sees the first update of the Italian-built Tatuus chassis since it was introduced in 2000. The bodywork receives a facelift with the new sidepods and airbox helping the car resemble a mini-F1 machine. Under the carbonfibre, there is also a power hike for the already quick 2 litre engine. With Formula Ford having moved off the TocaTour, two of it's most successful teams have made the switch to Formula Renault for 2004. Reigning FFord Champions Team JLR and the highly experienced ex-works Van Diemen squad now known as Comtec Racing have joined the fray to compete with among others, 2003 title winners Manor Motorsport, Motaworld Racing, Fortec Motorsport and a host of other teams old and new.
|