Aspiring Formula 1 driver Dean Smith has been named by the British Racing Driver’s Club (BRDC) as one of its 2010 ‘Superstars’
The Wolverhampton racer is just one of thirteen young drivers to be included in the initiative this year, and the invitation comes after a successful 2009 for Dean. He won the Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship for the Manor Competition team – an achievement recognised with the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC award.
As a BRDC Superstar the 22 year-old will receive advice and assistance from the club with physical and mental training, career guidance, sponsorship advice, and media and marketing support all included.
Smith is hoping to prove himself worthy of his latest award. “It's a fantastic honour to have been invited by the BRDC onto the Superstars scheme and I aim to repay the club's faith in me with another successful season on-track this year”, said Dean, “Last year couldn't have been any better for us, it really was an incredible season.”
“Winning the Formula Renault UK title having missed the first couple of races was fantastic and to then be named the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award Winner was the icing on the cake. Becoming a BRDC Superstar is another tremendous accolade and I'd like to thank Tim Harvey (BRDC Superstars director) and the rest of the club for their support which can only be beneficial for my career.”
No official announcement has yet been made about where Dean will be competing in 2010, but details are expected soon. One of the strongest options appears to be the FIA Formula 2 Championship which carries with it a prize for the 2010 champion of a Formula One test drive with the AT&T Williams F1 Team. Dean tested an F2 car last December at Portimao in Portugal.
Photo credit: Autosport/LAT