Sidecars return full-time to the premier stage MSVR and RKB-F1 have reached an agreement which will see the Eastern Airways British F1 Sidecar Championship become a regular part of the MCE British Superbike Championship paddock for the foreseeable future. In 2012 the Eastern Airways British F1 Sidecar Championship will have double-header races at nine MCE BSB events and this framework will continue into the future. The F1 Sidecars will receive improved paddock size as well as an improved paddock positioning and profile. The series, which is currently screened as a highlights package on British Eurosport and Motors TV, will now be timetabled so that at every round, where possible, will be the final race on Sunday afternoon to ensure the best opportunity of LIVE broadcast coverage for the class. Having steadily increased its profile in recent years, this is the next logical step for both MSVR and RKB-F1 to take in their efforts to promote the Eastern Airways British F1 Sidecar Championship to greater heights, and run it once more as one of the premier classes of motorcycle racing in the UK. It also confirms, and recognises, the value and importance the F1 Sidecars have as part of each BSB weekend’s visual entertainment package. Indeed, restoring the series to the heights it last saw in the 1980s and 1990s, will see it also move closer to securing links with the premier BSB series. With Buildbase BMW moving into the series for the first time in 2012, it is widely expected that the new agreement will see other teams follow suit in 2013. This season also sees a truly International line-up assembled with crews representing no less than nine different nations including Germany, Sweden, Slovenia, France, the Republic of Ireland and the home countries. At the recent London Motor Cycle Show, it was apparent that an entire generation of race-goers have missed sidecars, to the point that they were amazed at the sophistication of the outfits. The securing of the future of the F1 Sidecar Championship by the biggest domestic Championship in the world offers them, and the spectators, a terrific package over each and every three day weekend. Speaking about the new deal, Stuart Higgs, Series Director of the British Superbike Championship, expressed his delight with the arrangement. “I would like to thank and congratulate Roger Body and his RKB-F1 team, on the hard work and effort over three seasons, which has seen the F1 Sidecars move to where they are today. The British F1 Sidecar Championship has grown massively in stature and professionalism, and now portrays an image very much in keeping with the very high standards we have become accustomed to at a BSB event. The return of BMW to the class is highly significant and will connect the class to its glorious past when the German manufacturer won the World Championship for an incredible nineteen consecutive years.” “That, along with the thrilling spectacle of the racing itself, has convinced us that it deserves to run alongside the best domestic Superbike series in the world. We are therefore, delighted to welcome them to the series on a long-term basis. Our spectators, both on track and at home, are accustomed to top quality entertainment, and I’m confident that the three-wheeled action will further enhance the race-day experience for all.” The opening round of the 2012 Championship takes place at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend, April 7-9.