Teenagers Marta Garcia and Christian Lundgaard have been announced as the latest members of the Renault Sport Academy, with both stepping up from karting into single seaters in 2017.
Spanish female racer Garcia will participate in the F4 Spanish Championship certified by FIA for MP Motorsport having finished fourth in the European CIK-FIA OK Championship and ninth in the WSK OK Masters last year.
“It’s a great opportunity and honour to join the Renault Sport Academy,” said Garcia. “I’m looking forward to working with the team throughout the season.
“Being in such a professional environment will undoubtedly be key to my development and progress going forward and I know the coaching and assistance will help me prepare for my season ahead in Spanish Formula 4.”
Danish teenager Lundgaard will race in the SMP F4 NEZ Championship certified by FIA, also with MP Motorsport, having finished third in the WSK Champions Cup last year after winning the 2015 CIK-FIA KFJ European Championship.
“First, I’d like to thank Renault and the Renault Sport Academy for this opportunity,” said Lundgaard. “It feels great already to be part of the programme.
“This year is key for me as it will be my first season in single-seaters after karting. The Renault Sport Academy will help me prepare physically and mentally for this new challenge ahead and it feels fantastic to have such support from the team involved.”
Cyril Abiteboul, the Managing Director of Renault Sport Racing, has welcomed Garcia and Lundgaard into the programme, where they will join the already confirmed Jack Aitken, Max Fewtrell, Jarno Opmeer and Sun Yue Yang.
“We are happy to welcome Marta and Christian to the Renault Sport Academy for 2017,” said Abiteboul. “In combination with Jack, Max, Jarno and Sun we have a very exciting line-up of young drivers, highlighting that our focus is very much on the future.
“Marta and Christian are amongst the most exciting talents emerging from the karting scene. Like their fellow Academy members, their selection and their retention is based on their outstanding results and potential.
“Renault Sport Racing is committed to growing its own talent and we will monitor the progress of Marta and Christian with great anticipation.”