RODIN ESTABLISHES F1 PATHWAY

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 30 September 2024

Rodin Cars and Motorsport New Zealand have joined forces to establish a new pathway for aspiring Kiwi drivers to reach F1.

The first step in the new special partnership is winning the NZ Formula Ford Championship with the champion receiving a fully funded, three-day test and evaluation program in NZ.

If the driver performs well here, Rodin Cars will fund an extended test in the United Kingdom, which could lead to a drive in one of Rodin Motorsport’s British or Spanish F4 Championship teams.

Rodin stated drivers who don’t win the NZ Formula Ford title, but display a “high level of skill during the season” will also be considered.

Leading the way currently is young Kiwi Louis Sharp, who has just won the GB3 Championship for Rodin, while Australia’s Alex Ninovic is second in the British F4 Championship representing the NZ manufacturer.

“We’re in a great position to provide a clear pathway for talented young drivers from this side of the world,” said Rodin Cars founder David Dicker.

“Watching them grow and excel on the global stage reaffirms our company’s passion for driving and motorsport in general.”

MotorSport New Zealand’s President, Deborah Day, echoes Dicker’s excitement.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Rodin Cars to offer this truly life-changing opportunity to our aspiring drivers,” said Day.

“New Zealand has a remarkable history of producing world-class driving talent, and Formula Ford has played a crucial role in that for over 50 years.

“The list of New Zealand’s Formula Ford graduates who have excelled internationally is a testament to its success as a development formula.”

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RODIN ESTABLISHES F1 PATHWAY

Rodin stated drivers who don’t win the NZ Formula Ford title, but display a “high level of skill during the season” will also be considered.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Rodin Cars to offer this truly life-changing opportunity to our aspiring drivers,” said Day.

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