Two drivers selected solely from a simulation (‘sim’) racing platform will be awarded fully funded driving seats in the 2023 British Formula 4 Championship. Mobile communications company ROKiT has been confirmed as the championship’s new title sponsor and has also unveiled its Racing Star scheme, fronted by former Force India Deputy Team Principal, Bob Fernley. This truly unique programme will use the RaceRoom platform to select 32 young sim racers to contest a further shootout on University of Bolton simulators. Two drivers, one male and one female and aged either 14 or 15, will then be chosen to take part in the 2023 British Formula 4 season, driving for a FIA Racing Star team run by Hitech GP. The prize also includes six months of training with the Motorsport UK Academy and 25 days of testing.
“Talent detection programmes are commonplace in sport but in motorsport this really is a ground-breaking opportunity for two stars of the future to make an impact in a virtual environment, then have the framework and support to translate their abilities into real-world competition alongside a renowned resource such as the Motorsport UK Academy” said Fernley, who is also the FIA’s Head of Single-Seater Commission. He added: “ROKiT has to be commended for partnering the ROKiT Racing Star F4 Esports UK initiative to complement their British F4 Championship commitment which really demonstrates their desire to providing opportunities and supporting youngster realise their racing dream.”
