FORMULA 4 JOIN MELBOURNE GRAND PRIX SUPPORT CARD

Formula 4 joins Melbourne Grand Prix support card – Photo: Supplied

The CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship will commence its 2019 season alongside Formula 1 at the season-opening Melbourne Grand Prix.

The junior open-wheel category will give the chance for Australia’s young drivers to showcase their ability in front of the worlds best, as part of a huge year for Formula 4.

“Albert Park is a fantastic circuit and the drivers will really get an opportunity to soak up everything that comes with being involved in a world class, Formula 1 event,” said CAMS President Andrew Papadopoulos.

“We’d like to thank the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Formula One Management for this significant opportunity.”

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott formally welcomed the Australian Formula 4 Championship to the Grand Prix’s lineup of support categories in Melbourne.

“These young Australian drivers are the future of motorsport in our country and we are excited to host the opening round of the Australian Formula 4 Championship here at Albert Park in 2019,” said Westacott.

“We hope that by giving these aspiring young racers the opportunity to follow in the tracks of their Formula 1 heroes, it will help inspire these boys and girls to achieve their dreams.’’

AGPC CEO Andrew Westacott, Formula 4 driver Thomas Smith, CAMS GM Motorsport Michael Smith – Photo: Supplied

2019 will be a huge year for the development category where the best drivers will also get a chance to face off against the best in the region, with a Formula 4 Asia Pacific Cup also confirmed to take place in China late next year. A Formula 4 World Cup also on the cards.

The top three drivers from each of the four Asia Pacific F4 Championships (China, Japan, South East Asia and Australia), as well as eight wildcard entries, will compete in China at the end of the season as part of the new Formula 4 Asia Pacific Cup.

Drivers competing in the 2019 Championship will represent Australia, which Papadopoulos said would provide more development opportunities.

“The introduction of both the World Cup and Asia Pacific Cup provides our drivers with a superb opportunity to highlight their skills and abilities in front of a global audience,” said Papadopoulos.

“I have no doubt that those qualify from the CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship will be hungry to do their country proud.

“With the Australian Grand Prix opening race, a World Cup and Asia Pacific Cup on offer, it’s going to be a very exciting year for our young drivers.”

The Cup concept is expected to be similar to the recent FIA GT Nations Cup, where the best GT drivers went head-to-head in Bahrain in the inaugural event.

The Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019 takes place on 14-17 March next year.

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