Aspiring young drivers aged 14-17 are now invited to apply for this year’s edition of Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program.
 
As Ferrari’s selected partner in the region, Motorsport Australia will once again run the program and welcome a number of leading talents in the Asian Pacific and Oceana regions to the regional event to aid Ferrari in its search for a potential future champion.  

Off the back of a successful event at Sepang in Malaysia last year, Motorsport Australia will again host its FDA selection program at the former Formula 1 circuit on 24-26 September this year.

The selection program will showcase the elite pool of young drivers in the region, as they hope to one day live out their dream of competing in the pinnacle categories of international motorsport.

Selected applicants will have the opportunity to show their talent in a Top Speed prepared Formula 4 Generation 2 car on the famous Sepang circuit, in front of the Ferrari Driver academy scouts, competing for a place in the Ferrari Driver Academy Finals in Italy later this year.

The cars themselves are the same chassis used in the FIA Formula 4 UAE Championship earlier this year – with some of the best young drivers steering the cars in recent times.

This year’s program will include:

Track time and testing in Formula 4 cars
Support from professional mechanics (including car preparation)
Advice and training from professional F4 race engineers
Dedicated race engineer for the entire time on track
Dedicated track time across two days, competing for a third and final selection day
Fitness training and testing
Media, Sponsorship and Data Analysis testing and training
Nutrition and psychology workshops

Ferrari started the FDA in 2009 with a goal to source drivers who may one day be able to represent Scuderia Ferrari on the international stage. 

The academy has produced some of the world’s biggest talents in recent times in Formula One and Formula Two, while other drivers have also gone on to compete in a range of Championships and Series throughout Europe.  

Australian James Wharton was the first successful applicant through the partnership with Motorsport Australia in 2020, which now sees him compete in competitive Formula 4 racing across Europe and the Middle East as a member of the FDA.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith was excited at the prospect of providing young drivers in the region the opportunity to showcase their talents and be part of the FDA process.  

“We are excited to once again have the opportunity to work with the FDA and provide young drivers the opportunity to live out their motorsport dream and take a huge step in their careers,” Smith said. 
 
“Importantly, this is not just for Australians but for all those in the Asia-Pacific region. We encourage those living in the eligible countries to put their name forward for this program.
 
“Sepang was a terrific venue last year, is located centrally in the region and is a track that is perfect for this sort of activity as a FIA Grade 1 international circuit.

“We are confident that there are many young drivers in the region who are more than capable of securing their spot in such a highly regarded academy and we can’t wait to showcase their talent in front of FDA scouts.” 

Interested applicants are required to fill out an online form with applications closing on 16 June.
 
Those who took part in the 2022 program are welcome to apply again for 2023.
 
The 2023 Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program will be held at Sepang in Malaysia on 23-27 September.