Historic series' rivalry intensifies

The gap between the FIA Historic Formula One Championship and the Masters Racing Series will narrow further this year after the latter announced a three-date series of races for post-78 3-litre F1 cars.

The Grand Prix Masters series currently caters for pre-78 cars, while the Historic championship (above) is open to cars up to the end of the 3-litre era in 1985. Over the winter, talks regarding a closer relationship between the two series came to nothing. But in response to competitor requests, the Masters operation will now run races for the later cars at Donington Park, Brands Hatch and Magny-Cours.

Masters Series director Christopher Tate was keen to stress that the new races will sit alongside, rather than compete with, the Historic championship.

“We think that by offering two UK events in the early part of the historic season, the Masters post-78 races should be well supported,” said Tate. “Also, we are aware of others who are keen to race post-78 cars, but without the time and expense of overseas trips.”

Already confirmed for the post-78 races is Masters regular Mike Wrigley, whose 1982 Arrows A4 was on show at Race Retro to promote the Brands Hatch Masters Festival on May 24/25.

Tate confirmed that Masters will not be fielding any grids at the Nürburgring Oldtimer in August, after an agreement could not be reached with the organisers. Masters will instead run a full programme at Magny-Cours on July 11/12.