British F3 welcomes series returnees.

The Green Flag British F3 Championship, the F1 training academy set for its strongest season in a decade, is welcoming back a number of its former pupils.

In addition to last season?s race winners Nicolas Kiesa (Denmark, Prost Junior Team), Takuma Sato (Japan, Carlin Motorsport) and regular front-runner Andy Priaulx (Guernsey, Alan Docking Racing), there are some drivers set to return after a break from the series.

Tim Spouge is set to return with the new Menu Motorsport team. Spouge dramatically quit the series last season on the eve of the first test session and wound up his family SS Sport team. However, he tested during the winter and his enthusiasm has been fired once more.

"I took the decision to go with an established team because although I was pleased with the results towards the end of '99, it was hard work to maintain. It's going to be difficult, but I aim to be in the top six by the end of the year."

Another returnee is Jamie Spence who drives for new team Duma Racing; Spence having made his debut in the category in 1993 in a Bowman. That year he won what is now known as the Scholarship Class.

The Green Flag British F3 Championship kicks off at Silverstone, Northants, on 1 April.