The US Racing team, run by Gerhard Ungar and ex-Formula 1 racer Ralf Schumacher, have announced two more names to their ADAC Formula 4 line-up. Series veteran Kim-Luis Schramm and the German Julian Hanses complete the team’s four car line-up.
Schramm’s signing ensures the German is the highest placed returning driver from 2016, where he picked up 176 points on his way to fifth in the standings, as the highest placed US Racing driver. He also collected one win, his only since his series debut, along with four further podiums.
At 19-years-old, Schramm will not be exceptionally older than his counterparts though will be under pressure to perform with the team that won the 2014 drivers championship with Marvin Dienst.
Elsewhere another 19-year-old German will be making his first steps into the team. Julian Hanses suffered a fairly dismal 2016, picking up a best of twelfth and finishing as the lowest ranked male driver to have competed at every round.
“I’m delighted to have Kim back in our team again,” said Schumacher. “We’ve analysed the 2016 season during the winter break and consider we are well positioned for 2017 with Kim in our line-up.
“We also watched Julian last year and are pleased that he is now a member of the US Racing squad. Julian is a good, talented racing driver who has great chances of getting decent results in the forthcoming ADAC Formula 4 season.”
The pair join the 2016 rookie champion, Nicklas Neilsen as well as Fabio Scherer, the only rookie to win an overall race last year. Early pace suggests Neilsen and Schramm will both be championship contenders and the biggest competition to the Prema Powerteam drivers who go in as pre-season favourites.
