After a long time in the making, Sepang International Raceway will finally host the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) – Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection program later this month.
 
In what is a jam-packed schedule, the 24 aspiring Formula 1 drivers will be battling it out at the famous Malaysian circuit in an attempt to qualify for the Scouting World Finals in Italy and ultimately, a spot in the highly esteemed FDA.
 
Over the course of the program, drivers will be doing their best to impress FDA officials via a number of tests and workshops, both in and out of the car.
 
While producing competitive lap times in the Formula 4 car will be a key focus, there is just as much importance on fitness, media and data analysis within motorsport, and these are areas that will also be tested throughout the program.
 
Following the busy testing period over the first two days, six finalists will be then chosen for the final day of the program, which will see them undergo an intense race meeting simulation.
 
The winning individuals will then be informed shortly after and will be invited to participate in the FDA World Scouting Finals in Maranello later this year.
 
The 2022 Asia Pacific/Oceania regional selection program is the first time Motorsport Australia has completed this program in person.
 
Ferrari’s Formula 1 Racing Director Laurent Mekies also revealed what the FDA was looking for within the regional selection program.
 
“We live in an environment of fascinated people and I'm sure these kids are passionate about our sport or at least in the process of becoming very passionate,” Mekies said.
 
“That is what drives that interest. Therefore, the drivers will want to achieve more and will strive to get into the best shape possible and we will want to get the best out of them during the program.
 
“I will not say that it is important to train in the car because I would like to think that ultimately, we would like to give them a fair chance even if they don’t have initial Formula 4 experience.
 
“We are very happy to be partnering with Motorsport Australia, I think it is one of those things that we feel good about because it has been done for the right reasons with the right people.
 
“It is a great adventure to embark on. There is a concrete general entrance to get to the Academy. Even if the drivers don’t get all the way to the Academy, this will still be an incredible experience.
 
“Certainly, we hope to make a good contribution to the sport and to get the younger generation to know our sport and to embrace it.

"And if they eventually become drivers, it's great. if they become team personnel or even fans, that’s already a huge achievement."
 
The Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) – Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection program takes place at Sepang International Circuit on 26-28 September.