Drivers from the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain are set to benefit from a renewed link-up with the renowned Mazda Road to Indy programme in America.
The partnership, trialed in 2012, will see a driver from the series selected to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the USA to take a free full-day test in a USF2000 single-seater, as well as a further full day’s testing in a Pro Mazda car.
Mazda Road to Indy representatives will attend Formula Ford rounds this season to meet drivers and discuss the programme, with a special event planned at the Toronto Grand Prix (July 13/14) to allow Ford drivers to meet team principals.
“We are all very excited about the opportunity to once again be part of such a well-regarded driver development programme,” said series promoter Sam Roach. “We very much hope that our renewed link with Mazda Road to Indy will give all our drivers new options to explore for the furtherance of their careers.”
“We are excited to once again offer the top Formula Ford driver a scholarship package,” added INDYCAR director of the Mazda Road to Indy, Jason Penix. “Formula Ford does a great job of preparing these young drivers and the Road to Indy is in place to ensure they have a clear, defined path up to the IZOD IndyCar Series with the chance of securing scholarships at each level along the way.”
The Mazda Road to Indy Formula Ford Driver of the Year, won last year by reigning Formula Ford champion Antti Buri, will be chosen by a panel of experts comprising Roach, Penix, Dan Andersen, owner of USF2000 and Pro Mazda, and Chris Harfield and Joe Williams from WH Sports Group.
