British F3 to use Cooper tyres

The British Formula 3 championship will end its 25-year association with the Avon name next season following the announcement of a new title sponsorship and tyre supply deal with Cooper.

The American-owned Cooper Tires is a parent company of Avon and the name change in Britain is part of a marketing push to expand the Cooper brand in Europe.

The tyres used next year will be the same rubber as this season, just under the Cooper name.

Cooper's European managing director Julian Baldwin said: "Avon Tyres is very well established in British and European motor racing and, as Cooper Tires grows as a brand in Europe, we want it to stand for the same standard of quality.

"Cooper's racing tyres deserve to be allied with a high-profile championship in Europe and you don't get much bigger than British F3."

Hoops struggling to regain form

Highly motivated Hoops break out

Magnussen Jr eyes F3 campaign