Nigerian teenager Ovie Iroro has announced his graduation into car racing with a deal to compete in the 2012 Formula Renault BARC Championship with RPD Motorsport.
18 year old Iroro began his racing career in go-karting in Nigeria, but has since moved to the UK to study at Strathallan School in Scotland, allowing him to join the BARC series and become the first Nigerian to ever compete in the championship.
Essex-based RPD Motorsport aim to run two cars in the club-level championship, but regular driver Steven Durrant won't be driving one of the cars. 2011 podium finisher Durrant has decided to step out of the driving seat so he can focus more on running the team, believing his experience as both a driver and a race engineer will benefit the team's drivers in 2012.
Iroro said: “I chose Formula Renault BARC because of its mix of close competitive racing and it’s great reputation. I also think it provides the best experience and training available at this level. Ultimately I would love to aim for an F1 seat, and I felt this is the best place to start.”
Durrant added: “We are thrilled to have Ovie on board. Even in the short time we have been working together he has been fast learning, easy to work with and shows great dedication. We have no doubt he will produce great things, and think he may prove to be a title contender in 2012.”
RPD hope to announce the identity of their second driver soon.
