Shortlist narrows for regional Ferrari Academy selection
Twenty-four drivers have been chosen to attend the Ferrari Driver Academy selection event at Sepang.
James Wharton is the most successful alumni of the FDA selection event. (Ferrari Driver Academy)
Drivers from Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan were all selected from more than 60 applicants to take part in the scouting event.
Two drivers will make the jump to the Academy's Scouting World Finals in Maranello, where they will be evaluated for a place in the FDA for 2023.
“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,” said Motorsport Australia's Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations, Michael Smith.
“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.”
Last year's winners Costa Toparis and Jesse Lacey will both return, with Lacey hoping to head to the scouting world finals in Maranello for the second time.
For Toparis, it is a second chance after not being able to attend due to border restrictions.
The youngest entrant is 14-year-old Lincoln Taylor, who was also recently announced as one of two new drives for Indigenous youth motorsport program Racing Together.
The finalists will be hoping to replicate the success of Australian James Wharton, racing in Italy and Germany as part of the Ferrari academy after winning the world finals, and Marcos Flack, racing in the UK as part of the GB3 Championship after being selected as a regional representative.
The Ferrari Driver Academy - Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection program takes place in Sepang on 26-28 September.
2022 Ferrari Driver Academy - Asia Pacific and Oceania candidates
Australia: Jack Beeton, Jarrad Bottomley, Christian Cowie, Hayden Crossland, Christian Estasy, Alex Gardner, Patrick Heuzenroeder, Zara Horn, Kristian Janev, Jesse Lacey, Max Mason, James Piszcyk, Gianmarco Pradel, Beau Russell, Lincoln Taylor, Costa Toparis
India: Ruhaan Alva, Anshul Gandhi
Indonesia: Gael Julien
Japan: Ryuma Sako
New Zealand: Hayden Bakkerus, Alex Crosbie
Singapore: Akshay Bohra
Thailand: Chase Parks
