2022 F4 British Championship certified by FIA championship leader Alex Dunne has been selected as one of four drivers being evaluated by the Ferrari Driver Academy, working in partnership with the ACI (Automobile Club d’Italia).
Dunne is joined by son of the former F1 driver Luca Badoer, Brando Badoer, who is currently racing in the Italian and German Formula 4 championships, along with Kart racers James Egozi, and Sebastiano Pavan.
The Irish youngster has had a stellar year, currently leading the British F4 championship by 41 points having collected eleven wins along the way; and with two race weekends remaining he is definitely the driver to beat. Alongside this the 16-year-old is running a dual campaign competing in the Italian F4 championship, running third in the standings with three victories to his name.
“It’s obviously a great honour and a privilege to be selected for one of the Ferrari Driver Academy scouting camps,” says Dunne.
“It’s been a strong season for me on track, leading the British F4 championship and running up at the front in Italy. I’ve learned a lot, and gained some really valuable experience, which I’m sure will put me in a good place for the assessments.
“It’s very competitive, but I’m confident in my abilities and, as always, will just try to do my best and see where the opportunity leads.”
The four FDA hopefuls have already started a programme covering all aspects of life as a racing driver, including physical preparation, motorsport theory as well as how to deal with stress.
Tuesday and Wednesday will see the driver put through their paces as they drive a Formula 4 car, fitted with same tyres used in the Italian F4 series, supplied by FDA Technical Partner, Pirelli. The final day will see the drivers walk around the historic Ferrari-owned Fiorano circuit, which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year.
Following the completion of the scouting camp, the FDA judges will look over the data gathered throughout the week and choose one of the four candidates to go through to the Scouting World Finals at the end of the year which could lead on to a full-time place in the FDA.
