UK Formula Ford Championship calender

Established in 1967, the world's most popular motor racing category has nurtured grand prix drivers, including double champion Mika Hakkinen and rising British star Jenson Button.

Initially using 1500cc Ford engine, then a 1600cc unit, the category has since 1993 been based around 1800cc zetec engine, developing around 145bhp and capable of 140mph. From 2003, the series has two classes - Championship class drivers can use any age car they wish, but must have a national A racing license, Scholoarship class drivers must not have competed a whole season within the senior Formula Ford category and cannot drive a brand new car.

In entering 2006, the Championship has great prospects for the future. Ford is providing its full backing for the Championship, with the announcement of a three year support deal together with an exciting new engine, the 160cc Duratec.

Alongside is a package of promotional benefits to cover television coverage on Sky Sports and a high quality race hospitality centre for the Championship, together with a great calendar that includes all UK Formula 3 headline rounds, plus a taste of TOCA and A1GP.

A career-enhancing prize is on offer to the 2006 UK Formula Ford Champion - a free entry into the 2007 British Formula 3 Championship.

The F3 community are making this prize available exclusively to UK Formula Ford, as it demonstrates their belief that a winner in Formula Ford is going to be a competitive prospect in their championship also. 2005 saw ex-Team JLR UK Formula Ford graduates Charlie Kimball and Dan Clarke both claim F3 wins in their debut seasons, and that's a powerful endorsement.

Specification: Single-seater tubular chassis racing cars powered by 1600cc Ford Duratec engines. All cars conform to stictly-policed technical regulations and run on Avon control racing tyres; the minimum weight of the car without the drivers is 450kg.