ROKiT to launch British junior driver program

Newly announced F4 British championship title sponsors ROKiT will launch a two-driver junior program.

The ROKiT FIA Racing Star team will contest the Formula 4 British Championship from 2023. (F4 British Championship)

The FIA Racing Stars scheme will select 32 participants aged 14-15 years old through eSports events, with a shootout to select two drivers to compete in the Formula 4 series.

One boy and one girl will both be awarded a fully-funded seat in the FIA Racing Star team, operated by Hitech GP.

Both drivers will receive 25 days of testing and six months of training and development with the Motorsport UK Academy to secure a race licence.

The first selection program will take place in 2022 with the FIA Racing Star team to contest the 2023 British F4 season.

The team and selection program are supported by ROKiT, newly-announced title sponsors of the championship.

Bob Fernley, Head of the FIA Single-Seater Commission and former Deputy Team Principal at Force India, will lead the program.

"Talent detection programs are commonplace in sport, generally, 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.

"ROKiT really 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."

"The stakes have never been higher to win the two converted spots on the grid as part of the ROKiT F4 Racing Star Team in 2023."