The Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program gets underway this week with three intense days awaiting some of the youngest and brightest talents from around the region.
 
While introductions, seat fittings and the track walk of the famous Sepang International Circuit took place in the days leading up to the event, official business will begin on Monday morning.
 
On both Monday and Tuesday, all 24 drivers will be put to the test both in and out of the car and under the watchful eye of FDA representatives Jock Clear and Alessandro Vantini and Motorsport Australia coaches.
 
Across the two days, the participants will get multiple sessions on the five-kilometre world-class circuit where they will be showcasing their pace behind the wheel of a Tatuus F4-T421, while also working closely with highly esteemed engineers from AGI Sport and Top Speed Motorsport.
 
Also on hand to help the participants get through the weekend will be Supercars co-driver Jayden Ojeda and former Supercars star Andy Jones – both of whom will serve as driver coaches.
 
When the drivers aren’t in the car, they will undergo fitness and media testing, as well as learning about nutrition, data analysis and sponsorship – all of which will give them the tools to succeed in their motorsport journey.


Following the conclusion of the two days, six drivers will be selected for Wednesday’s final where they will undergo a race meeting simulation and work directly with Clear and Vantini to further highlight their skills on track.
 
The FDA representatives will then decide the drivers who will earn a place in next month’s FDA World Scouting Finals in Italy with the aim of becoming a fully-fledged member of the Ferrari Driver Academy program.
 
“This is a hugely exciting opportunity for these young drivers and to have been selected for the program is an achievement in itself,” Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith said.
 
“On top of getting to drive on a world-class circuit, they will have access to individuals with a wealth of experience from within the industry, who will provide plenty of valuable information across the event.
 
“Of course, each participant will have their sights set on making it to the top six and eventually to Italy too, so we wish them all the best of luck in their attempt to do so.
 
“We’re also very excited to be working with AGI once again, as well as Top Speed Motorsport, who have lots of experience in the industry – especially Formula 4, where they run international championships.”
 
The Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program takes place at Sepang International Circuit on 25-27 September.

The 24 selected drivers are:
Giancarlo Artho – Victoria, Australia
Peter Bouzinelos – Victoria, Australia
Pip Casabene - Victoria, Australia
Arjun Chheda - India
Yuhao Fu - China
William John Riley Go - Phillipines
Loclan Hennock – Queensland, Australia
Kristian Janev - Victoria, Australia
Ruiqi Liu - China
Ryan MacMillan - Queensland, Australia
Sebastian Manson - New Zealand
Hayden Millington - Victoria, Australia
Kamal Mrad – New South Wales, Australia
Brodie Norris - Queensland, Australia
Jaden Pariat - India
James Piszcyk – South Australia, Australia (pictured above)
Dominic Penman - Queensland, Australia
Rishon Rajeev - India
Ha Rim Song - Korea Republic of (South Korea)
Nicolas Stati – Western Australia, Australia
Jack Taylor – Tasmania, Australia
Lincoln Taylor - Queensland, Australia
Joel Wheeler - Western Australia, Australia
Enzo Yeh - Chinese Taipei