Student Sebastien Amadio to make S5000 debut at The Bend Classic

High school student Sebastien Amadio will make his S5000 debut this weekend at The Bend Classic.

The 17 year-old will drive a Team BRM car in the time challenge that includes a wide range of Formula 1 and open wheel entries, from the Toyota Racing Series FT50, a 1969 Lola, a 1998 Benetton and a 1989 Cosworth.

"I’m very excited to drive the S5000 at The Bend Classic this weekend," said Amadio.

"It’s about getting behind the wheel, learning as much as I can and having fun with it."

Amadio currently balances a Superkart campaign with year eleven, and has been signed to Walkinshaw Andretti United as a junior driver.

"Driving open wheelers is my thing, it’s something I’ve grown up with through my Superkarting background which helps a lot."

"Going to The Bend all the time is amazing, just to drive on the track."

"I’ve been watching some of the S5000 races, at Tassie and Phillip Island when it was raining."

"I was keeping up with the series and finding out what was going on."

"This could be something I’m looking at doing for next year full time."

"This weekend I’m just aiming at being on the pace, learning everything I can and getting comfortable with the car and hopefully that means I set a reasonable lap time."

"I’m balancing school work and racing at the same time – I won’t lie, it’s not a lot of fun!"

"But you’ve got to do what you have to do!"

The Bend Classic features a range of famous F1 and open wheel machinery. (The Bend Motorsport Park)

Team BRM claimed this year's S5000 title with a one-two in the championship standings for Joey Mawson and Thomas Randle.

“We’re excited to have Sebastien in the car this weekend for his first taste of S5000,” said team manager Mark Rundle.

"The Bend Classic is a great opportunity to get some experience in a competitive environment but without the worry of banging wheels with other cars!

"It’s going to be a great learning opportunity for him – we’ve been watching his progress in the Superkart and in the Toyota last year so we’re looking forward to working with him this weekend to get up to speed in the S5000."

"From a team perspective, it’s great to represent S5000 at the event and have the car on track at the same time as some very cool machinery."