Former
Formula One world champion Alan Jones has accepted a position as patron of the Australian Formula Three Championship and, in the process, announced a major partnership between F3 Australia and A1 Team Australia, of which he is the official franchise 'seat holder'.
“I am proud to announce that the winner of the Australian F3 Championship in 2005 and beyond will be given an opportunity to test for A1 Team Australia,” said the 1980 world champion, “Should that driver prove capable, he or she will be given a chance to represent Australia in the 2006 'World Cup of Motorsport' alongside the other Australian drivers.”
Jones is expected to announce the A1 Team Australia line-up for the inaugural series in early August, with son Christian - ironically racing F3 in the Asian Championship - expected to be among those listed ahead of a test session at
Silverstone on 3-4 August.
“Formula Three is dear to my heart, as it was my stepping stone to
F1,” Jones Sr continued, “It is still regarded as the essential path to a career in top level open-wheel racing throughout the world and, indeed, many of today's F1 drivers got there through their experiences in F3.
“There is a great deal of synergy between my new role as patron of the Australian F3 Championship and that as seat holder for A1 Team Australia. From the outset, it was my intention to use A1 Grand Prix as a means of showcasing emerging Australian talent to the world, and what better way to do that than selecting the cream of Australia's F3 drivers.”
The appointment of Jones to the position of patron has further significance with next year's CAMS Gold Star – awarded to the Australian F3 Champion – being the 50th anniversary of the award. Alan's father, Stan, was the second recipient of the Gold Star in 1958.
