Powertour added to BMP roster.

Just weeks after it appeared that its race programme would be scuppered by the withdrawal of key British circuits, the Powertour initiative has been handed a lifeline by British Motorsport Promoters [BMP].

The organisation, which earlier this year inherited the organisation of Britain's touring car championship, will now run the country's two major race series, and plans to build on the relative successes of both to provide complementary programmes for spectators.

Powertour had been shunned for 2001 by the Brands Hatch-run venues, as well as Donington Park and Thruxton, over claims that it was not proving profitable, but the new deal with BMP should ensure that the British F3 and GT series run at the country's primary venues instead of having to compromise with less familiar circuits.

''If spectators are to enjoy the very best of British motorsport, it is vital that the whole industry pulls together,'' said Silverstone Circuits CEO, and Powertour backer, Denys Rohan, ''Merging promoted motorsport under the BMP banner enables us to do just that.''

Although provisional calendars are on the verge of release for both the BTCC and Powertour programmes, the complete support line-up for either has yet to be released. With a third programme, the BRSCC-run Premier Package, likely to bite the dust next season, there are several new faces that could be incorporated into the two main series, including Formula Palmer Audi and the various Caterham championships.

Current support categories such as Formulas Ford and Renault, as well as the entertaining Clio, Fiesta and Mini series are likely to remain a part of either of the big two, but the National Saloon Cup, which has supported F3 this year, looks set to be absorbed into the BTCC as a second class to the main feature race.

''I am delighted that these initiatives create an exciting and stable future for all aspects of the motorsport industry,'' said BMP chairman Robert Fearnall.