2 February 2009: British Formula Ford is set to accelerate to a new level of competitiveness this season with the return of a famous engine-building name and a strengthened attack from another leading tuning firm.

The return of Minister to Formula Ford and the expansion of Premier Power's campaign to supply the works Van Diemen team presents the biggest-yet threat to the dominance of Scholar Engines, whose powerplants have enjoyed a near monopoly on victory lane for many seasons.

Minister's 2009 campaign involves the return of another famous name to Formula Ford, with 22-year-old Dan de Zille, son of the 1983 BP Superfind Junior Formula Ford Champion Graham, taking his first racing steps. The Kent-based Minister International team will be responsible not only for the youngster's engine but also for the preparation and set up of his Mygale SJ08 chassis.

"We are very much looking forward to our return to Formula Ford," said Minister boss Graham Fuller, "and also to helping another member of the de Zille family to make their motorsporting debut." A Minister engine powered de Zille Senior's successful Lola chassis a quarter of a century ago, and the team also guided Dan's cousin, Ben de Zille Butler, to Caterham championship victory and race-winning honours in British GTs.

Minister's engines have powered Formula Ford championship wins in Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal and Australia as well as nine Formula Ford Festival victories. F1 test driver Pedro de la Rosa and World Champions Nigel Mansell, Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen are among those to have benefited from Minister's talents.

Premier Power, meanwhile, is hoping for further Formula Ford successes following the inking of an engine supply deal with the works Van Diemen team, now being operated by Fluid Motorsport. Premier Power racked up several race wins in 2007 and 2008 with the JTR and Getem teams, and boss Stuart Cresswell is planning for further success: "Premier Power aims to win the British Championship in 2009, and adding Van Diemen to its challenge strengthens our chances," he said. "Given the results Fluid achieved at the end of last season they must start this year as a favourite."

Fluid has signed three hot shots for '09 already: 17-year-old kart star Ben Barker, rapid Brazilian Fabio Gamberini and multiple club Formula Ford race winner Peter Barrable.

Championship engine tuners Scholar, Minister and Premier Power enjoy the benefits of having a superb base engine with which to work. The 1600cc, 16-valve all-aluminium Ford Duratec power unit is a mainstay of the Ford Fiesta and Focus ranges, and requires no major internal modifications to prepare it for the racetrack. The Duratec was introduced to the British championship in 2006, revitalising the formula, and has since been adopted by Formula Ford championships in Australia, the Benelux countries and in Scandinavia.

A further strengthening of the link between road-going Ford models and the single-seater is the adoption this season by British Formula Ford of the "Ford Power" starter button.

The 25-race British Formula Ford Championship gets underway at Easter (11-13 April) at the Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire. Seven of its nine 2009 meetings support the Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series.

Links  |    Teams area   |    Archive  |    Site map  |