FERRARI DRIVER ACADEMY APPLICATIONS OPEN

Motorsport Australia has opened applications for the new Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) selection program.

The program will afford one 14–17-year-old aspiring driver with the chance to potentially join Ferrari in their development pathway towards becoming a professional driver.

Australia’s motorsport body will be responsible for the Academy’s Asia Pacific/Oceania selection zone, organising the various activities that make up the program, which is set to be based in Sydney.

The Asia Pacific/Oceania selection zone includes Australia, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and China.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations, Michael Smith endorsed the program for the doors it could open to young drivers.

“Opportunities like this do not present themselves often and the prize for securing a place in the program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Smith said.

“This program allows young hopeful drivers to continue their dream of potentially one day becoming a professional as it offers to work with a brand like Ferrari, who has a decorated history within the sport.”

From the initial group of applicants, two outstanding individuals will represent the region at the FDA Scouting World Finals in Italy.

This stage of the process will see the best young drivers from across the globe facing off for a spot in the Maranello young driver program.

Previously in 2020, two Australians in James Wharton and Marcos Flack had the privilege of attending the FDA World Finals at Ferrari’s renowned Fiorano track.

Wharton won the trial and subsequently claimed a place in the Academy.

The 15-year-old is spending 2021 in an FDA training program before transitioning from karting into the European Formula 4 Championship campaign in 2022.

Flack has gone on to race in British Formula 4 this year for Argenti Motorsport and is currently 14th in the overall standings.

Applications for the upcoming selection program are open until August 30.

The winner will be announced on September 6, before the final Ferrari Driver Academy selection process takes place in Italy at the end of this year.

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