Scott Speed signs with Alan Docking Racing

High 'Speed' Docking

NEW YORK, N.Y. (1 Nov.) Red Bull Energy Drink on Tuesday, 29 Oct., wrapped up the agreement for California's Scott Speed to race in the 2003 British Formula 3 championship with Alan Docking Racing (ADR), the 2002 title-winning team (driver Robbie Kerr). Speed is the second of the four Red Bull Driver Search winners to conclude his 2003 European racing plans, Grant Maiman having been set up with Jenzer Motorsport's Formula Renault operation two weeks ago.

Speed announced the Docking deal Wednesday (30 Oct.) on espn2's rpm2night telecast. Speed flies to England Tuesday, 5 Oct, has a seat-fitting at the factory Wednesday, and will be driving the car -- as the Brit's say, "in anger" -- by Thursday, at the Pembry circuit in Wales.

British F3 is historically one of the most competitive steppingstone series in the world. Chassis choice is free, but in recent years all teams have been using the Italian-made Dallara. Many manufacturers provide the engines -- Honda, Renault, Opel and Toyota -- but their power is equalized (to roughly 210h.p.) by the use of an engine-air intake restrictor of 24mm. Past series champions include two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen, Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello, and CART and IRL star Gil de Ferran.

ADR was formed in 1975 and enjoys an outstanding track record; it's become the preferred option for overseas drivers looking to carve a name for themselves in one of the world's most prestigious single-seater categories. Based on the doorstop of Britain's premier motor racing circuit, Silverstone, the team is owned and run by Alan Docking, who first came to the United Kingdom in 1973 after being involved in motorsport at an amateur level in his native Australia. ADR currently uses Dallara chassis powered by Mugen Honda engines.

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