Oliver Jarvis has revealed that he will miss the forthcoming race at Taupo having made the decision to compete in the All-Japan F3 Series with the reigning champion TOM'S squad.

"With the competition as fierce as ever in Japan coupled with a new team to get to know I made the decision to go to Japan as soon as I could to get my pre-season preparations underway," said the Englishman. "Unfortunately this now means that I'll be unable to represent Great Britain in New Zealand as there's a date clash, the team having indicated that I'd have got the drive at Taupo due to it being a new circuit and my rookie status allowing an extra hour of track time.

"Robbie (Kerr) will drive there now," he added, "and with the timeframes and logistics involved he'll do Australia as well. Hopefully I'll get a chance to race again for Great Britain but at this stage we just need to wait and see how things pan out with all our various schedules."

Referring to Team Great Britain's progress in the series, it is currently second, twelve points adrift of Germany, Jarvis said: "I think the British team has progressed well since the start of the season. Without a doubt the A1GP Series is a lot stronger this year and that's been reflected in some of our results. We've been a little unlucky at times and we're still aiming for that first A1GP victory but all things considered we're sitting second in the championship and still firmly in the fight.

"From my own point of view I'd love to get back into the British A1GP car and be the one to take that first win but either way I don't think it can be long in coming given the team's overall competitiveness."