Bengaluru teenager Ruhaan Alva has been chosen to participate in the 2022 Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) selection programme at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, from September 26 to 28.
The 16-year old from Bengaluru, who is supported by JK Tyre, is the only Indian racer to be chosen for the Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection programme which will be attended by 24 drivers from seven countries – Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan – in the 14-17 years age group.
Ruhaan, a multiple National karting champion, said: “I am really excited to have been selected for the Ferrari Driver Academy selection programme. While it is a big step forward for me while pursuing my dream, it will be a very challenging three days in Malaysia, but I will give it my best shot.”
The 24 aspirants were selected from a pool of more than 60 applicants. The chosen drivers will be evaluated on their driving, fitness and media skills during the three-day programme at the Sepang International Circuit.
At the end of the three-day session, possibly two drivers may be selected to attend the FDA’s Scouting World Finals in Maranello, Italy, where they will compete with drivers from other regions in a bid for a potential place in the FDA for 2023.
All drivers will have one day in the Formula 4 cars where they will be trained and assessed for their racing skills. On the day that the drivers are not in the car, the drivers will be trained and assessed by the media team, as well as the fitness and training coach. Only the top six applicants selected by representatives of Ferrari and Motorsport Australia will proceed to the third day, September 28.
On the third day, these six drivers will be assessed all day by Ferrari and Motorsport Australia personnel in a series of tests. The driver or drivers to attend the FDA World Finals in Italy will be selected from this final six.