31st August 2022

AUSTRALIAN KARTERS DOMINATE REGIONAL FERRARI DRIVER ACADEMY SELECTIONS

Karting Australia youngsters dominate the list of selections for the participants at the 2022 Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) – Asia Pacific and Oceania regional program.

The successful 24 drivers between 14 and 17-year-old were selected by Motorsport Australia from a pool of more than 60 applicants and will now head to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia at the end of next month where they will be evaluated on their driving, fitness and media skills.

Following on from the intense testing program, up to two drivers may be selected to attend the FDA’s Scouting World Finals in Maranello, where they will go up against drivers from other regions in a bid for a potential place in the FDA for 2023.

With Motorsport Australia running the Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection program in 2022, the 24 selected teenagers hail from seven different countries highlighting the diversity of this year’s talent pool.

Making up the field are drivers from Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan.

With all 24 finalists capable of being selected for the Ferrari Driver Academy’s Scouting World Finals, Motorsport Australia’s Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations, Michael Smith was looking forward to the event.

“A big congratulations to all 24 drivers for being selected for this year’s FDA Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection program, which is a massive achievement in itself,” Smith said.

“We are thrilled with the huge amount of interest shown in the application process and I feel there is very little in it with all 24 drivers a good chance of progressing through to the next phase.

“The Ferrari Driver Academy is an incredible opportunity for the aspiring youngsters, and to have a number of drivers selected from outside Australia is fantastic as it represents the strong diversity of this year’s competition.

“The three-day intensive program will certainly challenge these young drivers in all aspects, and we look forward to seeing them in action at the magnificent Sepang International Circuit next month.”

Recently crowned Australian Kart Champion in the elite Junior category – Costa Toparis, is among the list of 24 selected drivers as is Jesse Lacey who attended the Maranello circuit in Italy last year as a part of the Scouting World Finals.

Selected Candidates
Ruhaan Alva – India
Hayden Bakkerus – New Zealand
Jack Beeton – Australia
Akshay Bohra – Singapore
Jarrad Bottomly – Australia
Christian Cowie – Australia
Alex Crosbie – New Zealand
Hayden Crossland – Australia
Christian Estasy – Australia
Anshul Gandhi – India
Alex Gardner – Australia
Patrick Heuzenroeder – Australia
Zara Horn – Australia
Kristian Janev – Australia
Gael Julien – Indonesia
Jesse Lacey – Australia
Max Mason – Australia
Chase Parks – Thailand
James Piszcyk – Australia
Gianmarco Pradel – Australia
Beau Russell – Australia
Ryuma Sako – Japan
Lincoln Taylor – Australia
Costa Toparis – Australia