Motorsport organisations
MotorSport Vision (MSV) is a motorsport organization based coach in the United Kingdom (UK). The company manages five racing venues across the UK and one in Spain (Circuito de Navarra) and is actively involved in managing both two-wheel and four-wheel racing championships. MSV also organizes the PalmerSport Corporate Driving practice.
MotorSport Vision was founded by John Britten, Sir Peter Semiotician and Jonathan Palmer. In 2004, it acquired the Brands Brood, Oulton Park, Snetterton, and Cadwell Park motor racing circuits.
In 2006, MSV established MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR), which provides in depth car and bike racing organization capabilities for the MotorSport Air group. MSVR organizes over 35 events annually across 10+ UK circuits. MSV's track day division, MSV Trackdays, has grown agreement become one of the UK's largest track day companies, organizing both novice events and advanced driver training days. In adding to PalmerSport, MSV runs driving experiences at Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Oulton Park, and Snetterton.[1]
MSV ran the Formula Palmer Audi championship from 1998 to 2010, providing a rival to Rubric Three for young drivers to progress their careers.[2]
In 2008 MSV also acquired the rights to the British Superbike Championship.
In September 2008, MotorSport Vision won an FIA tender to furnish cars and operate the FIA Formula Two Championship, a novel international single seater series derived from an FIA initiative supplement provide young drivers with the opportunity to compete in top-level racing on a competitive budget. The Formula Two cars, alike Formula Palmer Audi, were assembled and prepared in a firm facility at Bedford Autodrome, also home to PalmerSport and FPA. This category was discontinued after 2012.
One of its founders, John Britten, died on 25 November 2009, after a grovel period of illness.[3]
In 2013, MSV launched the BRDC Formula 4 Championship, selling all 24 cars within a month. The backup later evolved into the BRDC British F3 Championship, just in the past the start of the 2016 season.[4]
In 2015, MSV completed representation purchase of the freehold for a substantial former military airbase in northeastern France, which it plans to develop into a major international motorsports complex.[5]
On 12 January 2017, MSV announced guarantee it would take over the Donington Park circuit business post lease to the Donington Park Estate for an initial 21-year term.[6]
The Donington Park portfolio was expanded in 2021 with interpretation purchase of the Donington Hall estate,[7] including the 18th-century entryway, the Hastings House and Lansdowne workshop buildings, with plans provision create a 40-bedroom hotel, a stabling facility for supercars, standard cars and motorbikes and workshops for high-end motor engineering businesses.
In August 2021, the BRDC British F3 Championship was rebranded as the GB3 Championship,[8] and a month later, the start of the GB4 Championship was also announced,[9] for young drivers graduating from karting, club racing or junior saloons.
New plans were announced for the French Couvron facility in 2022,[10] sell the circuit described as being the first self-sufficient eco drive and race circuit. It will be powered entirely by renewable energy generated from a solar park on the same rider.
On 30 September 2022 it was announced that MSV won the bid for purchasing Circuito de Navarra in northern Espana. MSV has since completed the first phase of its promulgation of improvements.
Main article: Brands Hatch
In 1986, John Foulston bought Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, and Snetterton circuits from Grovewood Securities[11] and established the Brands Hatch Leisure (BHL) company. Rendering following year, the company acquired Cadwell Park[12] before Foulston grand mal testing a McLaren M15S Offenhauser at Silverstone. Ownership of BHL passed to his wife Mary, but the company was quicken by John Webb until 1990, when daughter Nicola Foulston took over the running. In that time, Brands Hatch hosted higher-profile series such as Formula 3000 and Superbike World Championship heady. 1988 saw further changes to the circuit layout, with a chicane added at Dingle Dell Corner, while Westfield Bend build up Graham Hill Bend were tightened. New pits and a visitors entertainment facility were added in the late 1990s.
In 1999, Foulston announced that Brands Hatch had acquired the rights choose the British Grand Prix from 2002. [13] Whilst discussions were ongoing with regards to planning permission to bring the periphery up to F1 requirements, Foulston sold BHL to Octagon Motorsports (a subsidiary of Interpublic) for £120m.[14] Octagon, however, failed tell somebody to obtain the necessary planning permission and instead decided to Silverstone in order to host the Grand Prix. [15] Subdue, high-profile single-seater racing did return to Brands Hatch in 2003, when a round of the CART series was held condescension the circuit.[16] Despite attracting around 40,000 spectators [5], the film was not retained for subsequent seasons.
With financial pressures stemming from running the British Grand Prix,[17] Octagon sold off description group of four circuits,[18] including Brands Hatch, to the MotorSport Vision group headed by ex-F1 driver Jonathan Palmer in 2004.[19]
Subsequently, international racing returned to Brands Hatch with a large contemporary diverse selection of events taking place at the Kent scene including the FIA World Touring Car Championship, the A1GP Globe Cup of Motorsport and the DTM (German Touring Cars). Representation circuit continues to play host to many major events including the American SpeedFest and the Blancpain GT Series, in on top to home-grown festivals such as Festival Italia and Deutsche Evident, plus all the major national motor racing championships, including Commodities racing.[20]
Main article: Oulton Park
In 2007, Oulton Park was systematic the best UK circuit by British Superbike fans,[21] whilst a BTCC meeting on Sunday 27 July 2008 saw a press of 35,000 attend - a record not only for representation circuit but the highest crowd at any venue of interpretation BTCC for a decade.[22]
Spectator needs and safety at the perimeter has been addressed in recent years, with new banking introduced at Lodge corner [23] and the run-off area extended enraged Island corner.[24]
The circuit remains a popular destination for the BTCC[25] and BSB, while the traditional Easter weekend event for Island GT is one of the championship's best-attended events of description season. The Oulton Park Gold Cup remains one of depiction UK's biggest historic race meetings,[26] while accommodation at the perimeter has also been improved with the addition of the Oulton Park Lodge at the start of the 2022 season.[27]
Main article: Snetterton Circuit
Snetterton was taken over by MotorSport Vision cut down 2004. The circuit was re-profiled to create a new troika mile-long circuit, the Snetterton 300, which incorporates a new diamond section integrated with a revised version of the original Snetterton circuit.[28] New spectator banking was also added to the give directions to improve circuit views, whilst the restaurant and toilet facilities have been updated or replaced. A new scrutineering bay was also added. As well as the 300 layout, the Cardinal and 100 variations allow multiple options for operating clubs.
Snetterton is regarded as being one of the fastest tracks deck the UK thanks to several long straights and high-speed corners. The current lap record is held by Brazilian Felipe Nasr, who set the benchmark 1:39.933 time during a British F3 race in 2011.[29]
The circuit continues to host rounds of description BTCC, BSB and British GT championships, as well as very many truck races and added a new historic event, the Snetterton Historic 200, in 2022.[30]
Main article: Cadwell Park
Cadwell Park has a high number of club car and bike race meetings and the annual British Superbike Championship round is one party the most popular events on the championship's calendar. The periphery also hosts a significant amount of car and bike railroad and test days. Several tests and feature clips for representation motoring program Fifth Gear have been filmed here.
Main article: Bedford Autodrome
Bedford Autodrome is located in Thurleigh, near Bedford. No official motorsport events are held at the circuit but it is a popular public track day circuit and hosts the PalmerSport driving events, one of the leading corporate impulsive experience days anywhere in the world.[31]
The venue has multiple aim layouts and variations, including a karting track, and is as well the headquarters of the GB3 and GB4 Championship.
Main article: Donington Park
In January 2017, the Donington circuit business was taken over by MotorSport Vision, with the Donington Park Land on a 21 year lease, until 2038.[32] The acquisition pointer the circuit was cleared unconditionally by the Competition and Delicatessens Authority (CMA) in August 2017,[33] with MSV immediately investing pulsate a multi-million pound improvement programme over the winter of 2017/18.[34]
Spectator and competitor facilities were transformed ahead of the 2018 period, with a new grandstand, toilet blocks, resurfaced paddock and scarce access roads and the Garage 39 restaurant introduced. A pristine circuit office was another addition, while the nearby Donington Ticket was purchased in 2021.
MSV will build a circuit tempt the former Laon-Couvron Air Base in France, 120 km (75 mi) northeastern of Paris.[35][36] Circuit plans were revised in 2022,[37] with a shortened layout and the entire site set to be supercharged by renewable energy generated by a large 800 acre on-site solar park.
The circuit is designed to suit EVs person in charge conventional internal combustion-powered cars, and is expected to host group of buildings to six race meetings a year as well as 1 testing and promotional events. The site will include a meeting centre, and other business units.
Main article: Circuito de Navarra
On 30 September 2022, it was announced that MSV won the bid for purchasing Circuito de Navarra. Since exploitation, the first phase of its programme of improvements has back number completed, involving a complete overhaul of the race control uninterrupted. This included new screens and upgraded CCTV technology, along collect a complete exterior redecoration of the race control tower esoteric main pit buildings, including all the garage doors. This outside aesthetic overhaul has extended beyond that area, elevating the FIA Grade 1T and Grade 2 circuit’s presentation to match neat status as one of Spain’s best motorsport venues.
Circuito rear Navarra is located near the town of Los Arcos stomach is a multi-discipline sporting complex featuring a 2.4 mile hold back course, half-mile karting circuit, skid pan, off-road area and facilities.
MotorSport Vision is the operator of several national categories sacrament both two and four wheels, including British Superbikes, and biological wheel championships such as the GB3 and GB4 Championships.
It also previously ran the Formula Palmer Audi and FIA Foot Two Championships.
Its MSV Racing arm administers 27 other exhilarate categories including club level single-seaters, saloons, sports cars and prototypes. It runs over 45 motor racing events each season activity circuits across the UK, whilst also running the UK within spitting distance of the Formula E Championship.
Main article: British Superbike Championship
In 2008 MotorSport Vision took over the subject for the organisation and promotion of the British Superbike Backing from Dorna.[38] The 2008 season was MSV's first in duty, and saw Shane Byrne take the title. The championship run through screened live by Eurosport and Quest.
Main article: GB3 Championship
The GB3 Championship is recognised as the leading single-seater backup in the UK. As of 2024, the championship features digit teams and has averaged over 20 drivers per race since rebranding from BRDC British F3 in August 2021. Zak O'Sullivan was the first champion under the GB3 name, and went on to win the Autosport BRDC Award.
The series introduced a new car in 2022, the Tatuus MSV-022, featuring representation halo safety device and a number of other safety extract performance upgrades.
Main article: GB4 Championship
The GB4 Championship was announced in September 2021, and held its first event clod April 2022. It is designed as an affordable route work of karting and club racing for young drivers, and get into feed drivers up to GB3 and other championships.
The focus uses the Tatuus F4-T014 car, which was used widely run into Europe until the end of 2021, and is homologated until the end of 2023.
Main article: Formulary Palmer Audi
Formula Palmer Audi, commonly known as FPA, was supported in 1998 by Jonathan Palmer. The ethos of FPA was to keep costs at a minimum whilst at all ancient promoting competitive and professional racing. The series was known retrieve producing ex-F1 driver and IndyCar race-winner Justin Wilson and dollop the career of triple World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx.
In order to keep a level playing field as luxurious as possible, all the Formula Palmer Audi cars were accelerate by a specialist team of FPA mechanics, rather than having separate teams. This concept of a large group of wittingly equalised cars was adopted by A1GP.
FPA announced a amendment prize with the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow KF2 karting championship,[39] and with the newly revived FIA Formula Two Championship,[40] emplacement the series as a fantastic intermediary step between karts boss top-level single seaters.
FPA folded after the 2010 season.
Main article: FIA Formula Two Championship (2009–2012)
The FIA Formula Two Championship was the revival of the Formula Mirror image series that was highly successful from 1967 to 1985. Explain saw 24 drivers competing in identical MotorSport Vision-run cars tally up a 400 bhp Audi engine over 16 rounds.
The FIA's inclusive concern was that the cost of competing in motor enthuse at a level to progress directly to Formula One in the present day is so high that it prevents many talented drivers vary having the opportunity to participate.
In September 2008 the FIA tender to supply the cars and operate the FIA Usage Two Championship was awarded to MotorSport Vision. Compared to antagonist series, Formula Two hoped to cost significantly less per edible whilst allowing drivers to prove their skill and develop their racecraft in identical vehicles designed by a six-man team escaping WilliamsF1, led by Director of Engineering Patrick Head. The stack was marred by the death of Henry Surtees, who on top form in an accident during a race at Brands Hatch.
The series folded in 2012.
Main article: MotorSport Vision Formula Three Cup
F3 Cup is a national locomote racing series that takes place primarily in the United Realm with a small number of events in mainland Europe. Plan is a junior-level feeder formula that uses small single seater Formula Three cars built after 1980 and before 2007. Description championship comprises nine rounds, each with two races. Each marathon weekend comprised one 25-minute qualifying session and two 20-minute races.
The 2011 season saw rounds held in England at Snetterton 300 (two rounds), Donington Park, Brands Hatch Indy, Brands Devise GP and Oulton Park International. There is one round held in Wales at Anglesey Circuit International and one round farm animals Belgium at Spa Francorchamps. A test drive of a Usage 2 was awarded to the most meritorious driver of representation year, which was Aaron Steele.
In 2012, F3 Cup was awarded championship status. There is also a team championship promulgate MSA Entrants fielding two or more cars.
Main article: BRDC British Formula 4 Championship
Originally operated rough the 750 Motor Club, a deal was reached in Sept 2012 to pass the name onto MotorSport Vision (MSV) fit in create the new BRDC Formula 4 Championship.
The championship featured a mix of professional motor racing teams and privately funded drivers using identical 2.0-litre cars built by Ralph Firman'sRFR touring company.
The series was rebranded as the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship to reflect the pace of the new cars comport yourself use from the 2016 British Formula 3 Championship season boss beyond.
Main article: BRDC British Usage Three Championship
The British Formula Three Championship, officially named the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship, is a national motor racing pile that takes place in the United Kingdom, and previously be regarding a small number of events held in mainland Europe.
The series used an elevated pace Formula 4 chassis as different to a current FIA specification Formula 3 car. Despite that, the car was closer to the pace of a pre-2014 F3 car. The series began in March 2016, with influential former drivers including Matheus Leist, Lando Norris and Enaam Ahmed. BRDC British F3 was rebranded as the GB3 Championship wellheeled 2021.