With a week until the start of the new season, the BRDC Formula 4 Championship welcomes its eleventh new nationality. Thai kart driver Sasakorn Chaimongkol has joined the Hillspeed squad as their first driver announced for the 2016 season.
Chaimongkol, nicknamed ‘Cutter’, who has competed in the European and World Karting championship, will balance his Formula 4 career with his education, making an appearance when school permits. With the first round of the season taking place on Easter Sunday and Monday, it’s likely that the 16-year-old will be present for the first round, however no schedule has been released.
Despite their race winning credentials, Hillspeed has left their driver signings until the last moment, with Chaimongkol’s team mates still yet to be announced. Only two further seats have yet to be announced outside of the team.
Richard Ollerenshaw, Team Principal of Hillspeed, commented: “Cutter is a very talented young driver who impressed us hugely in his first test at Snetterton – after just one day in the car he was showing race pace, we’re thrilled to be working with him this year. Quite rightly, his education is currently taking priority over his racing so we’re focusing on driver development until he is able to make his race debut in BRDC F4.”
Cutter’s racecraft has already been proven in karts, having won the Formula 125 Junior Open Asian Karting Open Championship in 2011. Despite this though, he might find it difficult to adapt to a machine that is completely different in terms of power and performance.
“I am so happy to be joining Hillspeed.” said Chaimongkol. “I have been karting since I was four years old and have been very lucky to be supported by Maxima Oils throughout. They have now given me the opportunity to graduate to single-seater cars.”
“In my first test in BRDC F4, I was immediately at home – Richard and his team have given me great support and encouragement and I can’t wait to go racing with them and repay their commitment with some good results. This will be a learning year but I know I can be competitive – I won’t disappoint them.”
The season begins at Snetterton during the Easter weekend.
