Yokohama supports Formula Four and Atom Cup in 2013

The new Ariel Atom Cup car

Following a hugely successful year of motorsport in 2012, the Japanese brand of high performance and motorsport tyres, Yokohama, is looking forward to another noteworthy season this year. Continuations of existing relationships and new race series will see even greater penetration for the brand in motorsport, in the UK throughout 2013. 

The brand has been selected as control tyre for two of the newest and potentially most exciting formulae for the 2013 season. Formula 4 is a new series, run by the British Racing Drivers' Club, the BRDC. Based on identical cars owned and run by teams or individual drivers, the series is based on three races per weekend at some of the UK's most prominent circuits. Identical engines, transmissions and chassis but with huge set-up options mean that the emphasis will be on drivers feel and ability, generating what promises to be exceptional racing. 

Another new series to feature Yokohama as control tyres is the Atom Cup, the first race series created for race-prepared versions of the legendary high-performance Ariel Atom road cars. The series will feature two races over each race weekend and visit eight circuits around the UK. The series will be run under three packages, catering for drivers with a wide range of budgets and based on the success of similar series run in America, should provide excellent, cost effective racing for experienced, as well as novice, drivers. 

Yokohama will continue with its numerous relationships with race and rally series in the UK, including Formula 1000, which allows young drivers to start in rallying before they turn 17, the Caterham Academy and of course, Sports 2000. It will also continue as tyre supplier to the Irish Touring Car Championship, which sees exciting racing in a two-class structure in Ireland, for Touring and Super Touring-specification cars. 

The UK distributor, Yokohama HPT Ltd, will also introduce the new radial tyres for sidecar racing, an area it has enjoyed notable success in recent years, particularly in the world-famous Isle of Man TT races. Tyres are already in production for F2 specification outfits and testing on F1 class machinery will begin in the New Year. 

Commenting, Head of Motorsport at Yokohama HPT Ltd, Mark Evans, said; "2012 was a fantastic year for Yokohama in all forms of motorsport and it looks as if 2013 will go one step further... In the UK, we're very excited to be involved in both Formula 4 and the Atom Cup. F4 looks to be a fantastic start in single seat racing for up and coming drivers looking for a series that will allow their talent to shine through. And the Atom Cup has given racers something they have been looking for for some time - a genuine race series for the Ariel Atom."
For more information on Yokohama and its motorsport involvement, go towww.yokohama.co.uk. 

Check out our interview with Atom Cup series director, Mark Harrison here