F1 Academy has today announced that the winner of its inaugural season, Marta Garcia, will receive a fully funded seat with PREMA Racing for the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA). F1 Academy, PREMA Racing, Tatuus and Pirelli will all provide a financial contribution towards the cost of the seat.

This announcement underlines F1 Academy’s commitment to prepare drivers for a higher level of competition and support their progress up the single seater ladder. Each season F1 Academy will work in close collaboration with the F1 Academy teams to support its winner  in progressing up the motorsport ladder.

Launched in 2021, after the Formula Regional European Championship and Formula Renault Eurocup merged, FRECA has quickly become an established and respected proving ground for young drivers looking to develop the skills they need to progress from an F4 level series to the FIA Formula 3 Championship.

As part of a milestone agreement, FRECA will also grant its top teams a season-long fourth entry if they sign a driver who finishes P1, P2 or P3 in the F1 Academy standings. This amendment to FRECA’s sporting regulations reflects a shared ambition to support the progression of F1 Academy’s top drivers while promoting an overall increase in female participation in the Championship.

Change in F1 Academy Driver Contribution for 2024

In addition to supporting its inaugural winner in FRECA, F1 Academy will also reduce the driver contribution from €150,000 to €100,000 for the 2024 season. This reduction further demonstrates the series’ ambition to create a more accessible entry point to the single seater ladder for young women.

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, said: “F1 Academy is all about progression and creating more opportunities for young women across motorsport, so to offer a fully funded seat in FRECA for our inaugural champion is a significant moment. The fact that she will also continue to race with PREMA, whom she has built a relationship with and are current team champions in this category, will also aid in her future development.

“I am proud of the progress we have made in our first season, and as we begin to build for our 2024 season where we will join the F1 calendar, this announcement, alongside the decision to further subsidise the 2024 F1 Academy driver contribution to €100,000, is a statement of our continued commitment to make motorsport more accessible and break down the barriers faced by female drivers.”

Rene Rosin, Team Principal at PREMA Racing, said: “We are really happy to continue working with Marta for 2024. We were really impressed by her approach and professionalism, and the progress she made throughout the year showed that she is ready to take the next chapter of her career. This step is also a great testament to the work done by F1 Academy in the development and promotion of young woman talent in motorsport.

“The Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine is a challenging and competitive championship, but we think that Marta will be up to pace, and we will support her to get there as quickly as possible.”

Marta Garcia, F1 Academy 2023 Champion, and PREMA Racing driver: “I’m so thrilled and excited to be racing in FRECA next year. Coming from F1 Academy, it’s going to be a big step. We know we will have to work a lot with the team to succeed but I’m really determined to do well. I can’t thank F1 Academy enough. It is such a fantastic initiative, and it is the right way to do it, trying to take drivers with the best results to the top level. What an amazing opportunity, I’m looking forward to it and to the work that we have ahead, inside and outside the track.”

Bruno Famin, VP, Alpine Motorsports, said: “Since 2021, the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine has been an essential step in the Road to F1 ladder, enabling promising drivers to develop their skills and race craft. We are happy to welcome the F1 Academy winners within FRECA, creating another entry point for young talent and supporting them in their journey towards the top.”

Here’s 2024 calendar of F1 Academy

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada F1 Academy champion Garcia secures FRECA seat for 2024 ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

F3:

The majority of the 27 drivers set to contest the FIA Formula 3 World Cup – and write their names in Macau Grand Prix history – have been revealed. Representing 20 countries and possessing talent and potential in abundance, the drivers will aim to follow in the wheel tracks of a host of motor sport greats who used the legendary street race as a platform to progress up the ranks.

They include Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard, Takuma Sato, Felix Rosenqvist and António Félix da Costa. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson, Logan Sargeant and Yuki Tsunoda, who have all raced in the FIA Formula One World Championship this season, took part in the last FIA Formula 3 World Cup to be held in 2019.

Nine teams have entered the 2023 FIA Formula 3 World Cup, which co-headlines the 70th Macau Grand Prix event along with the FIA GT World Cup. They will each field three drivers in identical Mecachrome-powered Dallara cars equipped with tyres from official supplier Pirelli. The star-studded list of drivers includes Richard Verschoor, the winner of the 2019 FIA Formula 3 World Cup, and Dan Ticktum, who triumphed in Macau in 2017 and 2018.

Paul Aron, third in the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship standings, and Gabriele Mini, who showed his street-racing prowess by winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship Monaco Feature Race earlier this season, are also entered. Other standout names include Red Bull Junior Team drivers Zane Maloney, an FIA Formula 2 podium finisher this season, and Iasck Hadjar, who won the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race at Circuit Zandvoort in August.

Of the drivers confirmed so far, only Ticktum, Verschoor and Sophia Floersch have raced in the FIA Formula 3 World Cup at Macau, which points to a wide-open battle for victory when the event takes place from November 16-19. Trident Motorsport, which guided Gabriele Bortoleto to the FIA Formula 3 title this season, can count on Czech Roman Staněk, who, like Dutch team-mate Richard Verschoor, steps back from FIA Formula 2 for what will be his first Macau appearance. American Ugo Ugochukwu, a McLaren Driver Development programme member and a former European karting champion, will also fly the Trident flag.

Jenzer Motorsport hands FIA Formula 3 World Cup debuts to New York-born ex-sim racer Maxwell Esterson, Austrian teenager Charlie Wurz, son of ex-Formula One driver Alex, and Peruvian Matias Zagazeta, a regular in FIA Formula Regional events. Estonian Paul Aron, Swede Dino Beganovic and Italian Gabriele Mini form Prema Racing’s challenge, with the three-time FIA Formula 3 World Cup-winning team bringing the famous Theodore name back to the event under the SJM Theodore Prema Racing banner.

Hitech Pulse-Eight can count on its FIA Formula 3 Championship driver Luke Browning and its French FIA Formula 2 racer Isack Hadjar for Macau success. The team’s third driver will be revealed in due course. Having placed fifth in the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship standings, Spain’s Josep María Martí continues his alliance with Campos Racing. Sebastien Montoya, whose father Juan Pablo raced at Macau on his path to the FIA Formula One World Championship, joins Campos for his first Macau start, along with Danish driver Oliver Goethe, eighth in this year’s FIA Formula 3 standings.

Mexican Noel León, the Euroformula Open champion of 2023, will make his FIA Formula 3 World Cup debut with Van Amersfoort Racing, which also features Germany’s Sophia Floersch and Australian Tommy Smith in its ranks. ART Grand Prix’s Macau challenge features Grégoire Saucy, Switzerland’s FIA Formula Regional European Championship winner from 2021, and Australian Christian Mansell, who brings experience from a season in FIA Formula 3 to Macau. Bulgarian 16-year-old Nikola Tsolov completes the ART line-up.

Rodin Carlin, which claimed its first of three FIA Formula 3 World Cup victories with Takuma Sato in 2001, has entered Barbadian Zane Moloney, plus double Macau winner Dan Ticktum from Great Britain. The team’s third driver is to be announced. MP Motorsport, which is bidding for a second FIA Formula 3 World Cup victory in succession, has so far entered its Argentine FIA Formula 3 Championship star Franco Colapinto, who finished fourth in the final table in 2023, plus Mari Boya. The Spaniard raced for the Dutch squad in FIA Formula 3 this season, while an additional driver will be added to the MP Motorsport line-up.

The FIA Formula 3 World Cup is returning to Macau after a break of four years through the joint efforts of the FIA, Macau’s FIA member club, Automobile General Association Macao-China (AAMC), and the Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee. Using the iconic 6.120-kilometre Guia Circuit, the event features two Free Practice sessions, two Qualifying sessions, a 10-lap Qualification Race, plus the 15-lap finale, which awards the prestigious FIA Formula 3 World Cup title.

Here’s full entry list: https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/2023_fia_f3_world_cup_-_official_entry_list.pdf

Here’s F4 entry list:

GT:

This year marks the return of FIA racing to the streets of Macau for the first time since 2019 and, therefore, the first edition of the FIA GT World Cup in four years. All five winners of the event held between 2015 and 2019 are due to battle for their second FIA GT World Cup glory, along with a star-studded line-up of some of the world’s best closed-roof specialists, each seeking to triumph on the 6.120-kilometre circuit.

This year’s edition of the FIA GT World Cup will host a grid of 21 cars, with machinery from five different manufacturers and a total of 12 Platinum-ranked drivers, making it arguably the strongest field since the event first ran in 2015. Headlining the entry list and Mercedes-Benz’s fleet of AMG GT3s is the most recent FIA GT World Cup winner, Raffaele Marciello. The 28-year-old is one of the most decorated and formidable GT3 racers of his era, who – in addition to his 2019 Macau triumph – won two GT World Challenge Europe crowns, as well as Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup and ADAC GT Masters titles.

On top of this, prior to making GT racing the focus of his career, Marciello also clinched the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2013. Seeking his second triumph on the streets of Macau, and first with a roof over his head, will be Mercedes’ GT regular, and 2011 Formula 3 winner, Daniel Juncadella. Another vastly experienced racer from Mercedes’ stable who should be in the mix is the winner of the inaugural FIA GT World Cup, Maro Engel, whose relationship with the three-pointed star dates back to his Formula 3 stint in the mid-2000s and includes spells in some of the world’s most competitive closed-roof series such as DTM and Australia’s Supercars Championship.

Jules Gounon will be making his Macau debut, but the Andorra-based Frenchman is a force to be reckoned with behind the wheel of a GT car. His resume includes a hat-trick of Bathurst 12 Hours victories, an ADAC GT Masters title as well as two GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup titles in a row. Seeking its revenge in Macau is BMW, with a pair of M3 GT3s. One car will be operated by Rowe Racing and the other by Team WRT. Both BMW and WRT have been victorious in Macau in the past, but on different occasions.

BMW won in 2018 with Augusto Farfus, while Team WRT triumphed in the memorable 2016 edition but running an Audi and with current Porsche racer Laurens Vanhtoor behind the wheel. The Brazilian was triumphant in the 2018 FIA GT World Cup, taking a win for BMW in a Schnitzer Motorsport-operated M6 GT3. The 2022 DTM champion Sheldon van der Linde will be making his Macau debut driving the Team WRT entry.

Audi’s hopes of winning its second FIA GT World Cup will rest on start driver Eduardo Mortara. The 36-year-old is considered a Macau specialist, having won at the Guia Circuit an impressive seven times, taking back-to-back victories in Formula 3 in 2009 and ’10, and winning the 2017 FIA GT World Cup for Mercedes. He also scored a hat-trick of GT Cup victories from 2011 to 2013 for Audi, before the event earned FIA World Cup status, and won in the Audi Sport R8 LMS Cup support race. Now back with Audi, the Swiss racer will be seeking yet another Macau triumph.

Porsche is set to challenge for its maiden FIA GT World Cup victory with a fleet of seven cars. The manufacturer’s challenge will be headlined by a pair of its FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar class star drivers, 2016 FIA GT World Cup winner Laurens Vanthoor, as well as FIA WEC LMGTE Pro champion and 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner Kévin Estre.

Another WEC Hypercar regular, although representing Cadillac in the series, who is set to drive a Porsche in Macau is Earl Bamber. The two-time Le Mans winner will be making his fifth FIA GT World Cup appearance for Porsche, on this occasion driving a car operated by his eponymous Earl Bamber Motorsport outfit, although entered under a D2 Racing Team banner. The New Zealander came third in 2019 but has tasted Macau victory having won a Porsche Carrera Cup Asia race back in 2013, passing rally legend Sébastien Loeb on his way to win.

Porsche’s line-up will be completed by FIA WEC regular and Nürburgring 24 Hours winner Matteo Cairoli as well as Gold-ranked drivers Thomas Preining (this year’s DTM champion, 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup Germany title winner) and Alessio Picariello (European Le Mans Series GTE class title winner and FIA WEC regular), with the latter of the two making his second FIA GT World Cup outing, having competed in a Mercedes in 2019.

Ferrari will challenge for victory with its new 296 GT3, aiming for the first FIA GT World Cup triumph for a non-German manufacturer. The prancing horse’s effort will be led by its stalwart factory driver and two-time Le Mans class winner Daniel Serra, whose career highlights also include a hat-trick of titles in his domestic, but very competitive, Stock Car Brasil series.

The FIA GT World Cup takes place from November 16-19 with two 30-minute practice sessions followed by a single qualifying session of the same duration. Racing action will be held across two heats, with a 12-lap qualifying race followed by a 16-lap title-deciding main race.

Here’s the entry list: https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/2023_fia_gt_world_cup_-_official_entry_list.pdf

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada FIA releases entry list for 2023 Macau GP as several stars return ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having announced about Gabriel Bortoleto joining the McLaren driver development programe recently, the team has added upcoming Philippine racer Bustamante in its programme as was announced on Wednesday afternoon.

The 18-year-old has competed recently in W Series, Formula 4 UAE, Italian Formula 4, USF Juniors and currently races in the F1 Academy. The race winner will continue in the same championship in 2024 where she will represent McLaren with Cisco’s support.

She will use the McLaren livery while racing for ART Grand Prix. “This is such an unreal moment in my career, to sign with McLaren and ART Grand Prix is way beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined growing up racing karts in the Philippines,” said Bustamante. “I still have a hard time seeing my name next to McLaren without getting emotional, as the history and heritage linked to this team leaves me truly speechless.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity as I believe I now have the best possible development structure around me to take the next step up in my career, and for this I am so thankful. 2023 was all about improving my speed which I demonstrated across several races this year, but in 2024 my aim is to establish consistency and improve my mental strength in order to make a title challenge in the coming F1 Academy season.

“For now, my focus is to finish off the F1 Academy season strongly here in Austin, but we’ll get to work immediately on the 2024 season. I’ve never been more motivated in my life! A big thanks goes to Susie Wolff and the team at F1 Academy for fighting so hard for us girls and to give us this opportunity to be the best we can be. Additional thanks go to Zak Brown, Andrea Stella, Emanuele Pirro, Sebastian Philippe, my sponsors, and all my supporters for believing in me and making this all possible. I am full of gratitude, and I promise to give it my all.”

McLaren driver programme’s head Emanuele Pirro stated: “I’m pleased that Bianca is joining our Driver Development programme. She’s a promising young talent who has a brilliant work ethic and is aligned closely to our team’s values. I look forward to working with Bianca on her development as a racing driver. We’re also excited for Bianca to be representing the team in the F1 Academy series and we look forward to seeing her race in papaya in 2024.”

McLaren F1 team boss Andrea Stella also welcomed Bustamante in their growing line-up. “The team are delighted for Bianca to join us, and for McLaren to be involved in F1 Academy,” he said. “It’s a core principle of ours to be a diverse and inclusive team, so we’re pleased to be so involved in Formula 1’s work on the important topic of improving gender diversity within motorsport.

“We also look forward to seeing Bianca grow and progress within the McLaren Racing Driver Development programme under Emanuele’s guidance.” At the same time Cisco’s Carrie Palin added: “We are always looking to align our brand with programs that foster greater diversity and align to Cisco’s purpose to power an inclusive future for all.

“The McLaren F1 Academy program was a natural opportunity for us to expand on our partnership with McLaren Racing, and support Bianca as she strives to pave new opportunities for women in motorsports. We will be cheering her on as she takes to the track and have no doubt that she will be an inspiration to many around the world.”

Here’s 2024 calendar of F1 Academy

Here’s Lando Norris on possibly beating Ferrari

Here’s McLaren using recycled fibre in US GP

Here’s McLaren on their team orders protocol

Here’s link to a F1 Discord channel, join in to interact

L'entrada McLaren adds Bustamante in its F1 driver development programme ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

F1 Academy has today announced the calendar for the 2024 F1 Academy season which will feature seven rounds, all of which will be support series to the FIA Formula One World Championship. The second season of the all-women series will begin in Saudi Arabia on March 7 and finish in Abu Dhabi on December 8.

In addition to the hosts of the opening and closing rounds, Miami, Qatar, and Singapore will all join the calendar for the first time, with Zandvoort and Barcelona returning for a second year. The calendar has been designed to span three continents, Europe, Asia, and North America, and will feature a mix of street circuits and traditional circuits.

The race calendar will be supplemented by an extensive official testing calendar that will be announced in due course. The announcement follows news last month that F1 Academy will be supported by all ten F1 teams who will each provide a driver to the series and have their livery on one car.

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, said: “I am delighted to announce our seven-round season for 2024. This calendar cements our ambition to become a truly global series, expanding our reach and improving v isibility for our mission. We want to inspire young girls and women across the globe and show them that there’s a place for them in our sport, and racing alongside F1 will help us achieve this. I want to thank all seven promotors for supporting us in our mission and embarking on this journey with us in 2024.”

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “It is fantastic to welcome F1 Academy onto seven rounds of the F1 calendar next year. This global platform, combined with the support of all ten F1 teams, will take the series to the next level, providing not only the opportunity for the drivers to develop their skills on F1 tracks, but to inspire young girls around the world to pursue a future in motorsport. I want to thank our promoters, our F1 teams, and the wider motorsport community for their support of F1 Academy as we move towards our exciting second season.”

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada F1 Academy releases 7-round calendar for 2024 season ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The Joint Administrators of W Series Limited have launched the formal process to market the business and assets of the motorsports racing series. Kevin Ley and Henry Shinners of Evelyn Partners LLP, who were appointed Joint Administrators of W Series Limited on 14 June 2023, are marketing the fully equipped racing series including cars, stock and W-Series brand. It is anticipated that the purchase will take the form of a business and asset sale, with the potential to restart the series in the future.

W Series launched in October 2018 as a free to enter championship that sought to provide equal opportunities for women in top level motorsports. However, the business had been in hiatus prior to the appointment of the Joint Administrators. It had been unable to commit to the 2023 race season due to its liquidity position after failing to secure additional funding.

Kevin Ley, one of the Joint Administrators, said: “The announcement that W Series had gone into administration was upsetting for all stakeholders that had previously been involved with and supported the championship.

“As well as our duty to maximise possible returns for creditors, it has always been our hope that the W-Series may re-start under new ownership in the future and this is an option for a purchaser. This represents an exciting opportunity to acquire a fully equipped racing series and for a new owner to re-launch a much-loved venture that has a network of supporters all over the world.

“Since being appointed, we have received numerous initial expressions of interest in the business and its assets. Now that we have formally commenced the marketing process, we ask that any interest is registered with us as quickly as possible ahead of the indicative offer deadline of midday on 12 October 2023. Wyles Hardy & Co, one of the country’s leading independent firms of machinery and business asset valuers, has been engaged by the Joint Administrators to assist with the sale process.”

L'entrada W Series administrators formally start business/asset sale process ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Formula 1 and F1 Academy are pleased to announce that from the 2024 season all 10 Formula 1 teams will have one driver and have their livery on one car competing in F1 Academy. The series has five teams: ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, MP Motorsport, PREMA Racing and Rodin Carlin, who each have three cars in the series and three drivers – a total of 15 cars and 15 drivers.

From 2024, 10 of these drivers will be nominated by Formula 1 teams and each team will have their livery on one car. The details of the drivers and liveries will be confirmed at a later time by the F1 teams. The remaining five drivers in the series will be supported by other partners with announcements of these to be made in due course. The final 2024 driver line up for each team will be revealed at a later date.

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy, said: “First and foremost, I want to thank the Formula 1 teams for their support and vision as we embark on this journey together. This landmark moment not only demonstrates the depth of support for F1 Academy from across the F1 community but will inspire a whole generation of young girls to realise the opportunities both on and off track in motorsport. As we join the F1 calendar for next year and host F1 Academy Discover Your Drive events in the lead up to our races, I am confident that we will have a positive impact across our sport in the long term.”

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “We created F1 Academy to bring about real and lasting change to ensure young female talent have the right system in place to follow and achieve their dreams. Today is a very important moment as it shows the impact the project is having and the support it is receiving from across the F1 community. Susie, the teams, and everyone involved are working tirelessly to ensure we go from strength to strength and continue to deliver on the important objective we have set out together. In 2024 the F1 Academy will join our race calendar, raising the awareness and profile of the series globally and to have the F1 liveries on the grid will be something very special.”

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada F1 teams to have one driver per Academy team for 2024 season ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having lost his life in an incident in Spa-Francorchamps couple of weeks ago, young Dutch racer van’t Hoff has been laid to rest as his family along with MP Motorsport organised a funeral service in the memory of the 18-year-old racer.

Van’t Hoff lost his life in a multi-car incident at the Kemmel Straight during Formula European Regional Championship round at Spa-Francorchamps in wet conditions. The incident injured Adam Fitzgerald who had to be hospitalised after the crash.

The death of van’t Hoff sparked another debate about the safety aspect of Spa-Francorchamps especially the Eau Rouge, Raddillon and Kemmel Straight section which caused the death of Anthoine Hubert a few years ago and injured Juan Manuel Correa.

Here’s the live stream of the funeral: https://vimeo.com/event/3552693/10c46e6641

We will not be posting anything about racing until after the funeral of Dilano.

We wish our F2, F3 and F1 Academy drivers and teams all the best for this race weekend pic.twitter.com/h8K1OiSHsM

— MP Motorsport (@OfficialMPteam) July 6, 2023

Everyone is welcome to say their goodbyes to Dilano, please register

The family has set up a foundation to support recovery and rehabilitation after racing accidents. Instead of flowers, a donation is a wonderful tribute. You can donate via the QR code in the final slide pic.twitter.com/38LXtg4unl

— MP Motorsport (@OfficialMPteam) July 5, 2023

Here’s news on MP Motorsport skipping Mugello round of FRECA

Here’s news on death of Dilano van’t Hoff

Here’s bizarre decision on an incident in FRECA

L'entrada Dilano van’t Hoff laid to rest as family oragnises funeral service ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

MP Motorsport statement –

MP Motorsport withdraws from FRECA Mugello Event (on July 7-9 weekend) to honour Dilano van ’t Hoff. Dear friends, last Saturday we lost a great driver, but above all a charismatic young man that motivated and inspired so many people around him. We keep on racing, for Dilano, like he would have wanted. But before doing so, we choose to be with Dilano, his family and friends during the next days and during his funeral service.

Because of this and all emotions and questions we have, we feel the FRECA event at Mugello this week comes too early and as a team we decided to not participate in this event. Our thoughts are also with Adam Fitzgerald. We wish him, his family and team RPM all strength during his recovery process. Dilano, thank you for being you. We will all miss you so much, but we will always remember you. On behalf of everyone at MP Motorsport, Sander Dorsman.

Adam Fitzgerald –

“I have no words for Dilano’s family other than I am truly heartbroken for them. They and Dilano are constantly in my thoughts. I don’t know what to say other than I am heartbroken for them.”

Here’s news on death of Dilano van’t Hoff

Here’s bizarre decision on an incident in FRECA

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada MP Motorsport to skip Mugello FRECA round in van’t Hoff’s honour ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

The incident took place at the start of Race 2 in Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine weekend at Spa-Francorchamps where MP Motorsport’s van’t Hoff was collected by few cars at the exit of Radillon corner onto the Kemmel Straight.

The conditions were wet with lots of spray for the drivers to tackle. There were already few cars involved in incidents when van’t Hoff was hit sideways. RPM’s Adam Fitzgerald was unsighted when he crashed into the 18-year-old Dutch racer.

Van’t Hoff only started his single-seater career in 2021 where he finished second in the F4 UAE Championship and took the title in Spanish F4 series. He moved up to Formula Regional European Championship with MP Motorsport in 2022.

After a difficult rookie season, van’t Hoff continued for another year in 2023. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit sees another death of a young driver after Anthoine Hubert sadly lost his life during a F2 race in 2019, where Juan Manuel Correa was hugely injured.

Statement from FRECA and Spa-Francorchamps –

“Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine sadly announces the death of MP Motorsport driver Dilano Van ‘T Hoff. The incident happened during Spa-Francorchamps Race 2. We want to express our sincere condolences to the family, team and friends. Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps and SRO Motorsports Group join Alpine and ACI in expressing their sincerest condolences to the driver’s family, team and friends.”

Statement from MP Motorsport –

“MP Motorsport is deeply saddened to confirm that our driver, Dilano van ’t Hoff has passed away as a result of a crash during the second race of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine at Spa Francorchamps. We are devastated at the loss of one of our brightest Dutch talents, who brought so much energy to our team during the years he raced with us. Dilano has been a part of our racing family since his motorsport debut with MP back in 2021. We offer our sincere condolences to Dilano’s family and his loved ones, and are in full support of them and our team members who have lost not only a driver but a friend as well.”

Here’s bizarre decision on an incident in FRECA

From everyone at FormulaRapida.net, we offer our condolences

L'entrada Dilano van’t Hoff dies after an incident in FRECA race at Spa ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Following the Saturday’s race at Spa-Francorchamps, where an incident between MP Motorsport’s Sami Meguetounif and Van Amersfoort Racing’s Joshua Dufek was deemed as racing incident, the document of the same was shared in FRECA Whatsapp group.

This prompted a ‘poop’ emoji in response to the stewards’ decision from the MP Motorsport team member which he quickly deleted. He replaced it with a ‘clown’ emoji which he removed it as well. But this didn’t go down well with the FRECA stewards.

They immediately imposed a fine of 2000 euros on MP Motorsport and removed the team member from the official Whatsapp group for his behaviour. With the use of such platforms these days, it has its share of bizarre antics either by mistake or done purposely.

Amazing.

Someone got fined and was booted from a WhatsApp chat group for posting negative emoji in response to a FRECA Stewards decision posting. pic.twitter.com/4eTKWkQcvx

— Christopher DeHarde (@CDeHarde) June 30, 2023

L'entrada FRECA fines MP Motorsport over bizarre Whatsapp reaction ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having started with solid marketing in 2018, with the idea of providing a platform to only female drivers at the junior level, it ran for multiple seasons before running into funding trouble last year. The series ended abruptly with the flyaway round in Singapore.

The remaining three rounds didn’t take place with no funding in place as the promised money never arrived. Since then, the directors have been working out to seek funding behind the scenes to no avail. There has been radio silence for much of 2023.

But with nothing working out, W Series finally decided to plunge into administration and rope in Evelyn Partners to sort its future. “The news will be upsetting for the Company’s employees and drivers together with the worldwide supporters of the championship,” said Kevin Ley, one of the Joint Administrators.

“The Company had been unable to commit to the 2023 race season due to its liquidity position. The directors had been in discussions with various parties to provide additional funding together with a potential sale of the business. Unfortunately, these discussions did not progress.”

Meanwhile, Henry Shinners added: “The Joint Administrators will explore all available options to allow the W Series to restart in the future. We are seeking expressions of interest in the business and assets of the Company. We would ask that any interest is registered with us as quickly as possible.

“Staff had been made redundant or had left the business before our appointment and it has unfortunately been necessary to make the remaining staff member redundant. The Joint Administrators will be looking to support any staff impacted by the Administration, given the financial position of the Company, with making and progressing any claims with the Redundancy Payments Office.”

Since the closure of W Series, the FIA and F1 Management moved to open its own female-centric championship named ‘F1 Academy’. They have taken a restricted marketing approach with leading feeder outfits with three rounds already completed.

>> many young female racing fans too.

I have many great memories from racing in the championship, including my win at the British GP in 2021, which will stay with me forever.

Thank you to Catherine and everyone behind W Series for the memories ❤️#wseries #motorsport #inspire pic.twitter.com/aU8VyVNWte

— Alice Powell (@alicepowell) June 15, 2023

L'entrada W Series officially goes into administration ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Formula 1 is delighted to announce that Susie Wolff has been appointed as the Managing Director of the F1 Academy, the all-female driver category that aims to develop and prepare young female drivers to progress to higher levels of competition.

The appointment of Susie will further deepen the commitment made by Formula 1 to maximising the opportunity and potential of young female drivers to reach the highest level in motorsport and will provide the F1 Academy, the drivers and the teams with a strong strategic approach combined with a unique insight that will enhance the structure we are putting in place to support the fifteen F1 Academy drivers through this journey.

Susie has a wealth of experience in motor racing as a professional driver, team leader and advocate for greater participation for women in all levels of motorsport. This includes previously being the Williams F1 racing team development driver, racing in DTM and Formula Renault and leading the VENTURI Formula E team as Team Principal. Furthermore in 2016 Susie launched Dare To Be Different, a call to action aimed squarely at driving female talent by inspiring the next generation and increasing female participation in all levels and aspects of motorsport.

As Managing Director Susie will report directly to Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, and will be responsible for spearheading the development of female motorsport talent with a focus on creating a successful pathway to higher categories in the F1 pyramid. Bruno Michel, as the General Manager of the F1 Academy, will continue to report to Stefano Domenicali and run the operational aspects of the F1 Academy as he has done successfully with Formula 2 and Formula 3, and continue to be the day to day liaison with all the teams relating to the technical and sporting side of the category.

The inaugural season for the F1 Academy was announced last week and will include seven rounds starting on 28-29 April in Spielberg, Austria and ending as a support series at the FORMULA 1 LENOVO UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2023 in Austin on 20-22 October.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “It is fantastic news that Susie Wolff is joining the F1 Academy as Managing Director. Susie is an incredible person who understands what it takes to reach the highest levels of motorsport, both as a driver and Team Principal. She has a wealth of experience and first hand knowledge that will be of huge benefit to all of us and the drivers who are on their journey to progress through the racing pyramid . We are committed to maximising the opportunities in our sport for anyone to reach their true potential and achieve their dreams and we believe F1 Academy is a very important part of our plans to be a more diverse and inclusive sport.“

Susie Wolff, Managing Director F1 Academy, said: “The F1 Academy presents an opportunity to promote genuine change in our industry by creating the best possible structure to find and nurture female talent on their journey to the elite levels of motorsport, both on and off the racetrack. There is a lot of work to be done but there is also a clear determination to get this right. In doing so, I believe the F1 Academy can represent something beyond racing.

“It can inspire women around the world to follow their dreams and realise that with talent, passion and determination, there is no limit to what they can achieve. This is also the start of an important new chapter in my career, combining the experience I have developed so far with my passion for diversity and empowerment, so I would like to thank Stefano for entrusting me with a role that means as much to me personally as it does professionally.”

Bruno Michel, General Manager F1 Academy, said: “It is great news for the F1 Academy to have Susie joining us ahead of the start of our first season. She will be invaluable to me and my team as well as all of the drivers. We can’t wait to get started on the track with this exciting new chapter that will provide another route into the pyramid system for talented female drivers.

“I am of the strong view that if we give these drivers the same amount of time and experience as any other driver, they can make their way to higher levels in our sport. Our aim is to prepare the drivers that come into the Academy to be ready to progress to the next category within the next three years and we hope their skill and drive will inspire others to follow this path.“

Here’s the F1 Academy calendar

Here’s news from F1 Academy on teams

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada Susie Wolff named Managing Director of F1 Academy ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

F1 Academy is pleased to announce the calendar of the inaugural 2023 season which will comprise of seven rounds with a total of 21 races. The season finale will involve the F1 Academy being a support event at the FORMULA 1 LENOVO UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX 2023.

The calendar has been designed to feature as many Formula 1 Grand Prix tracks as possible, giving the 15 strong grid the opportunity to compete on a variety of challenging circuits which will help develop the drivers’ technical skills and prepare them to progress to higher levels of competition.

The 2023 F1 Academy calendar is:

28–29 April Spielberg, Austria

05–07 May Valencia, Spain

19–21 May Barcelona, Spain

23–25 June Zandvoort, Netherlands

07–09 July Monza, Italy

29–30 July Le Castellet, France

20–22 October Austin, USA

The fifteen cars will take to the track for the first time on 11-12 April at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for an official test session, with 13 more days of testing throughout the season to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Race Weekend Format –

Each race weekend will consist of two Free Practice sessions of 40 minutes each, followed by two Qualifying sessions of 15 minutes each. As previously announced, all events will have three races: Races 1 and 3 will be 30 minutes long, and Race 2 will be 20 minutes.

Qualifying 1 will set the Grid for Race 1 and Qualifying 2 will set the grid for Race 3. The first eight finishers in Qualifying 1 will start Race 2 in reverse order, cars finishing in 9th position and below will start in position they qualified in that session.

The drivers who take pole position for Races 1 and 3 following the final classification of the Qualifying sessions will be awarded with two points. In each race, one point will be awarded to the driver who achieves the fastest lap time, providing she was in the top 10 positions of the final race classification.

Bruno Michel, General Manager of the F1 Academy, said: “I’m very pleased to reveal the calendar of F1 Academy’s inaugural season. Our goal was to be able to race on as many Formula 1 Grand Prix tracks as possible, with circuits that could be a great challenge for the drivers. The teams know these layouts very well, so they will be able to help their young talents get to grips quickly.

“We had announced that F1 Academy would be racing alongside Formula 1 at one event, so it’s fantastic to be part of the F1 Grand Prix package in Austin, where we will also conclude the first season, in front of the F1 paddock and the American crowd. There is quite a gap in between Rounds 6 and 7, but that is mainly due to the fact that we will be sending the cars and equipment by ship, to save on logistical costs. Additionally, there will be fifteen days of testing to add to the track time in 2023, with the first two days in Barcelona on April 11th and 12th. We will reveal the rest of the dates in due time.”

Here’s the drivers racing: https://www.instagram.com/f1academy/?hl=en

Here’s news from F1 Academy on teams

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada F1 Academy reveals 2023 calendar and weekend format ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having had six F1 juniors last year, Mercedes has retained them all while adding one more in their line-up for the year 2023 to make it seven in the pack where most of them will be graduating to a different series or staying in the same to fight for the title.

Starting with the senior most junior, it is Frederik Vesti who is to continue racing in F2 but has switched to Prema for his second year. Behind him is Paul Aron, who is graduating to F3 with Prema after finishing third in Formula Regional European series.

There will be Mercedes presence in the championship still with Andrea Kimi Antonelli stepping up with Prema. Having won the ADAC and Italian F4 titles with them in 2022, he has added the Formula Regional Middle East Championship title with Mumbai Falcons.

Apart the three in the single-seater competitions, the other five are all to compete in karting for 2023 including newcomer Kenzo Craigie. The Brit will compete in the UK and International Rotax, and IAME categories.

Among others, Yuanpu Cui will remain OK category, Luna Fluxa will continue in OK Junior and Alex Powell too will continue in the OK class for the 2023 season. “We’re looking forward to seeing how our Junior Drivers progress this season,” said Toto Wolff.

“We saw some impressive performances in 2022, and we will continue to support them as they develop. An encouraging recent example of their progress is Kimi’s Formula Regional Middle East title. All our Junior Drivers are at very different, but very exciting, stages of their young careers and I’m sure it’s going to be another positive year for the programme.”

At the same time, Gwen Lagrue, added: “For 2023, our Junior Programme has drivers racing in almost every step of the feeder series ladder. We’re optimistic it’s going to be another strong season and year of positive progress.

“After an initial taste of F1 in Abu Dhabi last year at the rookie test, we expect Frederick Vesti to be fighting for wins and be in contention for the FIA F2 title. Following a successful campaign in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA), Paul Aron moves up to FIA F3 and we believe he’s ready to be a front-runner in his first season.

“Andrea Kimi Antonelli will graduate to FRECA after an outstanding double title winning F4 campaign and a strong start to 2023, winning the Formula Regional Middle East championship. Alex Powell is leading our group of drivers on the international karting scene alongside Yuanpu Cui and Luna Fluxá; they all have the experience to deliver strong seasons. We are also pleased to welcome the talented Kenzo Craigie to our programme in 2023, becoming our youngest Junior as he tackles the British karting championships.”

Here’s the full list:

Frederik Vesti (Prema) – Formula 2

Paul Aron (Prema) – Formula 3

Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Prema) – Formula Regional European Championship

Yuanpu Cui & Alex Powell – OK

Luna Fluxa – OK Junior

Kenzo Craigie – UK and International Rotax and IAME

Here’s Toto Wolff on all about W14

Here’s Mick Schumacher on his role and drive

Here’s Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff on the contract

Here’s Mercedes pair on W14 run

Here’s info on mini filming run

Here’s 2023 Mercedes car

L'entrada Mercedes retains six F1 juniors for 2023; adds a seventh one ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having announced two drivers for 2022, Sauber will have four in the academy for the 2023 F1 season in an expanded line-up. Among the two, only Theo Pourchaire is retained for this year who is also to be the reserve driver of Alfa Romeo.

The Frenchman is already known to compete in F2 with ART Grand Prix and completed a three-day test in Bahrain using Sauber colours. Joining Pourchaire for 2023 will be newcomers Lena Buhler, Marcus Amand and Taym Saleh.

Swiss racer Buhler will compete in the F1 Academy later in 2023 with ART, while currently she is competing in the UAE F4 series with R2Race. French-Finnish Amand will race in Formula Regional European Championship, also with ART.

As for Saleh, the German racer will continue in karting and compete in the CIK-OK Championship. Having been part of the Sauber family last year, Roberto Faria has not been retained by them like Pourchaire. “Discovering and nurturing young talent has always been at the center of Sauber Motorsport’s philosophy, with the ultimate aim of raising the champions of tomorrow,” said Beat Zehnder. “Sauber Academy’s 2023 roster is very promising, and I am looking forward to working with each of the drivers.

“Théo’s growth and development ever since he joined have been a source of great pride for us, including his promotion to being one of our Formula One team’s official reserve drivers. We are also delighted to welcome Léna, Marcus, and Taym to the Academy. We will be by their side in the next steps of their careers, providing them with the tools, the education and the resources needed to succeed in the world of motorsport: we cannot wait to get started and unlock their potential further together.”

On the driver side, Pourchaire started: “Being part of the Sauber Academy is a massive opportunity for me, and I am thankful for that. I wouldn’t be where I am right now, and I wouldn’t have had the chances I was given without their support. I feel part of a great family and a great team, which gives me a further push to obtain the best possible results. This year will be a busy one, splitting my time between Formula 2 and my reserve driver duties, but I am ready and motivated for the challenge.”

At the same time, Buhler stated: “Joining the Sauber Academy is an amazing chance for which I am extremely grateful. I am very much looking forward to working together with the team as I make a further step in my motorsport career, joining the F1 Academy series. With Sauber Academy, I know I will have the guidance and support, learning from their over three decades of experience in Formula One.”

Meanwhile, Amand noted: “I am absolutely pleased to be inducted in the Sauber Academy and to have their support as I move onto a new experience in the Formula Regional European Championship. My aim for this year is to continue improving my knowledge and skills, developing as a driver, and I am confident I will achieve that through the support of the Academy’s extensive expertise. I can’t wait to begin the journey to Formula One together.”

And Saleh added: “I am proud to have been selected to join the Sauber Academy, and thankful for their support. Several drivers rose through the ranks and made their debut with Sauber Motorsport, and it is a goal of mine to join them in the future. It is a great honour that they have seen the potential in me and intend to invest in my future.”

Here’s the driver list:

Theo Pourchaire (ART Grand Prix) – Formula 2

Lena Buhler (ART GP) – F1 Academy

Marcus Amand (ART GP) – Formula Regional European Championship

Taym Saleh – CIK-OK Championship

Here’s Alessandro Alunni Bravi on his role

Here’s Alfa Romeo during Day 2 of filming

Here’s Day 1 of Alfa Romeo filming

Here’s Jan Monchaux on 2023 car changes

Here’s 2023 Alfa Romeo F1 car/livery

L'entrada Sauber names four drivers in their 2023 F1 academy ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

After Ferrari revealed their junior line-up on Tuesday, Red Bull confirmed theirs on Wednesday morning with 12 names in its F1 Junior Team for the 2023 season. Among them, five are new entrants where one of them has been promoted to full-time level.

From the ones continuing are Liam Lawson, Dennis Hauger, Jak Crawford, Ayumu Iwasa, Isack Hadjar, Souta Arao and Arvid Lindbald, while the new entrants are Enzo Fittipaldi, Sebastian Montoya, Zane Maloney, Enzo Deligny and Enzo Tarnvanichkul.

Among these, Montoya was part of the Red Bull athletes programme in 2022 and has been promoted to full-time Junior Team for 2023. With these confirmed names, the ones who have left are Jehan Daruvala, Juri Vips, Jonny Edgar, Noel Leon and Yuto Nomura.

11 of the 12 drivers will compete in Europe with Lawson racing in Super Formula Japan. Among the 11, six of them will race in F2 where Red Bull confirmed Fittipaldi and Maloney to be racing for Carlin and Crawford and Hadjar for HitechGP.

Montoya will be the sole F3 representative with Hitech GP, with Lindbald in Italian F4 with Prema while Deligny will be in Spanish F4 with Campos Racing. Arao is to race in GB3 with Hitech GP, while Tarnvanichkul will continue in karting.

Here’s the full list:

Liam Lawson (Team Mugen Honda) – Super Formula

Dennis Hauger (MP Motorsport), Ayumu Iwasa (DAMS), Enzo Fittipaldi & Zane Maloney (Carlin), Jak Crawford & Isack Hadjar (Hitech GP) – Formula 2

Sebastian Montoya (Hitech GP) – Formula 3

Arvid Lindbald (Prema) – Italian F4

Enzo Deligny (Campos Racing) – Spanish F4

Souta Aroa (Hitech GP) – GB3

Enzo Tarnvanichkul (Prema) – European/World Champion (Karting)

2023 F2 line-up so far:

MP Motorsport – Dennis Hauger

Prema – Oliver Bearman, Frederik Vesti

Campos Racing – Ralph Boschung, Kush Maini

DAMS – Arthur Leclerc, Ayumu Iwasa

Trident – Clement Novalak, Roman Stanek

PHM Racing by Charouz – Roy Nissany, Brad Benavides

Virtuosi Racing – Jack Doohan, Amaury Cordeel

Van Amersfoort Racing – Richard Verschoor, Juan Manuel Correa

Carlin – Enzo Fittipaldi, Zane Maloney

Hitch GP – Jak Crawford, Isack Hadjar

2023 F3 line-up so far:

Trident: Gabriel Bortoleto, Oliver Goethe, Leonardo Fornaroli

Prema: Paul Aron, Dino Beganovic, Zak O’Sullivan

ART Grand Prix: Gregoire Saucy, Kaylen Frederick, Nikola Tsolov

Hitech GP: Gabriele Mini, Sebastian Montoya

MP Motorsport: Jonny Edgar, Mari Boya, Franco Colapinto

Van Amersfoort Racing: Rafael Villagomez, Tommy Smith, Caio Collet

Carlin: Hunter Yeany, Oliver Gray

Campos Racing: Christian Mansell

Here’s Christian Horner on communication being key

Here’s Paul Monaghan on Max Verstappen being technically gifted

Here’s Paul Monaghan on 2022 being satisfying

Here’s Christian Horner on Red Bull becoming unpopular

Here’s Adrian Newey on impact of less windtunnel time

Here’s Christian Horner picking Max Verstappen’s best of 2022

L'entrada Red Bull completes its 2023 F1 junior line-up with 12 drivers ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Having already started out as the team principal more than a week ago, Frederic Vasseur was also at hand to kick-off a week-long training programme for the 2023 Ferrari F1 academy drivers at Maranello alongside Laurent Mekies and Marco Matassa.

The academy has two new faces – namely Tuukka Taponen and Aurelia Nobels – joining the six existing from last season. The ones carrying on from last year are Arthur Leclerc, Oliver Bearman, Dino Beganovic, James Wharton and Maya Weug.

Seven of the eight drivers were present for the first day with Weug missing as she is taking part in the The Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge where she is discussing the topic of “Driving Equality Forward with the Women Leading in Motorsport”.

The drivers who are not carrying on this year are Mick Schumacher, Robert Shwartzman and Laura Camps Torras. The German has moved on to Mercedes for 2023, while the Russian has been promoted to reserve capacity and is no longer part of the academy.

The week-long programme will see them undergo various tests on the psychological and physical front, with a karting session too where Tony Kart will help them when they hit the Franciacorta track. The programme will be curated according to their 2023 experience.

“The start of a new academic year is always a very special moment,” said Matassa. “It’s good to meet up again with our existing students and even more special to open the doors to our new ones. It’s going to be a particularly demanding season because seven of the eight of them will be rookies in their category and so they face an even tougher challenge.

“In 2022, we were back winning titles again and, for our part, we are ready to do our utmost, investing even more in terms of the facilities and personnel that we will put at the disposal of our youngsters, to help and support them in obtaining the results of which we know they are capable. A special welcome goes to our newcomers, Aurelia Nobels and Tuukka Taponen, the latest graduates of our scouting programme.

“Aurelia joins the FDA from the programme we run with the FIA, which has already proved successful with Maya Weug, while Tuukka was the most outstanding of the youngsters who came to Maranello for the third edition of the FDA Scouting World Finals, where all those taking part were of a very high standard. We are looking forward to starting work with them and the other students in the hope that we have a successful year together.”

Here’s the full list of Ferrari academy drivers and their programmes –

Arthur Leclerc (DAMS) and Oliver Bearman (Prema) – Formula 2

Dino Beganovic (Prema) – Formula 3

Rafael Camara (Prema) and Maya Weug (KIC Motorsport) – Formula Regional European Championship

James Wharton (Prema), Tuukka Taponen (Prema) and Aurelia Nobels (Iron Dames) – Formula 4 (Italy)

Here’s Carlos Sainz on Frederic Vasseur

Here’s Ferrari counting on Carlos Sainz

Here’s Mattia Binotto on Sebastian Vettel

Here’s Carlos Sainz having clear target for 2023

Here’s Sebastian Vettel on time with Charles Leclerc

Here’s Charles Leclerc on P2 finish

L'entrada Ferrari firms up 2023 F1 academy drivers as they start training ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

W Series, the international single-seater motor racing championship for women, today confirms that its 2022 season will be curtailed and the final three races of its scheduled 2022 season – at Circuit of The Americas, Austin, Texas, USA (21-22 October) and a double-header at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City, Mexico, on 28-30 October – will not go ahead.

As confirmed during the most recent W Series race event at Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore on 30 September – 2 October in support of the Formula 1® Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2022, the required funding due to the business from a recent contracted investment was not received, forcing the remaining three races of the 2022 calendar into doubt.

Since then, the decision has been made to focus on the longer-term fundraising process to enable the longevity and financial health of W Series into 2023 and beyond, and enable cost cutting by cancelling the remaining races in Austin and Mexico City.

The premature end to the 2022 season means that Jamie Chadwick (Jenner Racing, 24, UK) – who sits 50 points clear in the drivers’ championship standings – is crowned W Series Champion for a record-breaking third time. Her incredible W Series career, including 11 wins, 10 pole positions and 18 podiums across three seasons (2019, 2021 and 2022 – with no racing in 2020 due to the pandemic), has shown her to be the class of the field since the debut of the series in 2019, and the perfect springboard to the next step in her motorsport career, to be announced in due course.

Despite the curtailment of the 2022 season, thanks to overwhelming support since the news of the series’ financial difficulties was announced, and the subsequent ongoing fundraising process, the future of W Series promises to be brighter.

Catherine Bond Muir (Chief Executive Officer, W Series) said: “It’s with both great sadness and frustration that we announce that our much-anticipated final three races of the 2022 season in Austin and Mexico City will not go ahead. As a start-up in only our third season of racing, we are always working hard to ensure regularity of funding as we continue to grow our business, but due to recent unforeseen circumstances outside of W Series’ control, we had not been in receipt of contracted funds due to us. Therefore, we have been forced to make the unfortunate decision not to complete our scheduled calendar this season. We would like to thank both Circuit of The Americas and Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez’s Grupo CIE for their support as promoters of our events in Austin and Mexico City respectively, and apologise to both them and our fans that we will not be able to go racing there this year.

“We have worked hard to raise the required funding to enable us to finish the season. Unfortunately, it was not possible to do this in the short time frame required following the failure of contracted funds to arrive and the global economic downturn. However, while we are all incredibly disappointed that this decision has had to be made in the short term, we remain positive about the future of W Series in the long term. It is well-documented that women’s sports receive far less funding than its male counterparts, and W Series is no exception. We are incredibly thankful for the help and support we have received in recent weeks following the news of the financial difficulties we’ve been facing, which has accelerated our fundraising process and given us great optimism as we look to 2023 and beyond.

“While we aren’t in a position to make a formal announcement yet, there are many positive conversations ongoing and all parties share our passion for and belief in our mission to provide our incredible field of women drivers a platform to showcase their talents and to race in front of enthusiastic fans all around the world. We are doing everything we can to ensure the long-term financial health of our business and we look forward to W Series’ continued growth and success.

“Having set up W Series in 2018, I am acutely accustomed to the relentless work that goes on to not only keep our business operational, but also acquire the fundraising and sponsorship to grow our business further, supporting our talented drivers and hard-working personnel who put their heart and soul into driving W Series and our mission forward. We are grateful for the continued support of our incredible and growing fanbase, and we hope to share positive news regarding the future of W Series in the coming weeks.

“Finally, I want to extend a huge congratulations to our triple-champion Jamie Chadwick. She has dominated the 2022 W Series and this championship is well-deserved. We have been and always will be incredibly proud and supportive of her career and wish her well in her next exciting chapter. To all our W Series drivers, I’d like to express both pride and sincere gratitude for your professionalism and talent, providing entertaining and exciting racing all season long, and for your continually unwavering support as we navigate the next steps for our series. We will always work hard to provide women racing drivers the opportunities to achieve success and we will not stop fighting to continue the work W Series has started to support women in motorsport.”

[Note: The story is as per press release]

L'entrada W Series confirms early end to 2022 season as Chadwick wins title ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Hitech GP and Uralkali came together around 2018 and have since been partners in various junior championships. The branding of the company runs on the rear wing of the car along with logos on the race suits of the drivers and on the nose of the car.

In fact, Hitech GP also helped Uralkali when they tried to bid to buy the Racing Point F1 team. However, they lost out to the consortium led by Lawrence Stroll, which led to a court case initiated by Dimtry Mazepin in the manner the bid was awarded to the Canadian.

Uralkali found his way in F1 with Haas when Nikita Mazepin joined the team last year. Hitech GP, meanwhile, continued to keep the sponsorship until the Bahrain F2 and F3 test where it removed the Russian company’s logos from its car amid discussions.

In the meantime, Oliver Oakes took full control of Hitech GP from other shareholders. With the F2 and F3 season not far off from its start, the British outfit has since released a statement of ending its agreement with Uralkali in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

With both Haas and Hitech GP gone, Uralkali don’t have any motor racing association especially in the F1 paddock as of now. The company has so far not stated anything about the end of the deals, but Mazepin is slated to host a press conference on Wednesday.

TEAM STATEMENT. pic.twitter.com/M3QTjeJZct

— Hitech GP (@HitechGP) March 8, 2022

Here’s Gene Haas on dropping Uralkali

Here’s Nikita Mazepin reacting to his axe

Here’s Roman Rusinov refusing to sign FIA declaration

Here’s FIA detailing more on how Russian and Belarus drivers can compete

Here’s Daniil Kvyat urging IOC and FIA

Here’s Guenther Steiner on Haas situation with Uralkali

L'entrada Hitech GP terminates its long-term agreement with Uralkali ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.

Arthur Leclerc hit all his targets, taking pole position, the win and the championship title in the first race at Yas Marina today. The Ferrari Driver Academy student did the groundwork, at this the fifth and final round of the Formula Regional Asia series, by securing pole position in a closely contested qualifying session yesterday. He then got a good start, with team-mate Dino Beganovic sitting in behind, as he built up a comfortable lead in the opening laps.

Perfectly managed. Arthur then controlled the race, also setting the fastest race lap. It meant that he had 203 points, a 65-point advantage over his only rival, Spain’s Pepe Marti, enough to make the title his. Arthur’s season was perfectly managed with four wins, a second and third from the 13 races run so far, scoring points in all the other races. I am very happy to have won the championship like this,” commented Leclerc.

“We were able to show our true potential and today’s result is down to all the work we have done together throughout this championship. There are two more races, so we will still be pushing to try and end this experience on a high and to be in good shape for the forthcoming Formula 3 season.”

Bravo Dino! As Leclerc triumphed, Dino Beganovic also had a good day. The 17-year-old Swede qualified third and at the start, he got the jump on second placed Jak Crawford, to tuck in behind Leclerc. He gradually pulled away from his pursuers, taking another well-deserved podium finish, to make up for the disappointment of the last round in Dubai. Oliver Bearman also finished in the points in his second weekend in this series. The 16-year-old Englishman qualified ninth and moved up seventh after the start and held that position to the chequered flag.

Here’s the standings where Mumbai Falcons won the teams’ title: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Formula_Regional_Asian_Championship

F4 UAE:

To end the 2022 F4 UAE season, Charlie Wurz – son of Alexander – took the drivers’ title at Yas Marina with 255 points to Rafael Camara’s 210. The Austrian driver scored two wins and 10 podiums in all for Prema en-route his win, having finished no less than ninth in any of the 20 races held across the five rounds.

Here’s the full standings where Prema won the teams’ title: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Formula_4_UAE_Championship

[Note: The above is as per press release with no edits made]

L'entrada Leclerc wins 2022 FR Asia title; Wurz takes F4 UAE championship ha aparegut primer a FormulaRapida.net.