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Mark Webber sees bright future for Formula 4

Mark Webber believes the new BRDC Formula 4 Championship has a bright future after attending the inaugural event at Silverstone

The new single-seater initiative, aimed at helping young drivers, kicked off on the Grand Prix circuit with three races.

Webber was on hand as a BRDC member to present the top three trophies for the third race.

The Red Bull F1 driver believes the new junior single-seater category, which attracted 21 cars and provided three different winners, is good for young drivers setting out on a career in the sport.

AUTOSPORT races a Radical and tries F4

"It's always tricky with so many categories," he told AUTOSPORT. "I've always been a fan of Formula Ford, but you've got to look at costs these days.

"It's really important for drivers to get a chance in cars, not just karts.

"I think F4 will go from strength to strength."

Webber believes the specification of the cars, built by ex-Formula Ford constructor Ralph Firman and which use 185bhp Ford Duratec engines, is right for an early rung on the single-seater ladder.

"The aero is reasonably basic, but that's the way you want it," he added. "The drivers still have to be delicate and accurate."

"The cars look nice. It looks a good little racing car, that moves around a bit, with paddleshift."

"You've got to have reliable cars at this level because it's about the youngsters and Ralph Firman is a proven quantity."

Eight nationalities were represented at Silverstone, but British drivers dominated the opening meeting.

Matt Bell, Jack Barlow and Jake Dalton shared the wins, while ex-Formula Renault BARC frontrunner Seb Morris grabbed the championship lead with three podiums.

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