GP Prep opens for business
GP Prep, the young drivers testing initiative set up by Lewis Hamilton’s father Anthony, has been officially approved by Formula One Management. The scheme has launched a website inviting applications from drivers.
The scheme will allow young drivers to test modern Formula 1 cars outside of the restrictions imposed on teams’ testing. Teams cannot test cars on circuits during the F1 season unless they are replacing one of their drivers with someone who lacks prior F1 experience.
According to the site:
To qualify for entrance to the GP Prep Academy, racing drivers must possess the necessary experience in one or more of the following junior or senior Formulae – Formula One, DTM, IRL, Champ Car, GP2, Formula Renault or equivalent, Formula 3 or equivalent, Formula Renault, Formula BMW, or other equivalent series.
The GP Prep Formula One cars are run by current and experienced Formula One personnel from current Formula One teams. We believe that we offer the best test and development career path solution for ‘rookie’ racing drivers who aspire to become Formula One racing drivers.
Meanwhile Hamilton has told Autosport Anthony will no longer be managing his F1 career as he will instead focus on GP Prep and other business interests.
Marc Connell said on 4th March 2010, 21:11
i wish i could try out :( i spend all my time and money on karting because i cant afford to go into a racing series like formula renault etc. But then again karting > skip a few racing series > f1 is quite a big step D:
bleh why is all this for the rich. I bet theres poor people out that have drove a f3 car or something privately and got on alot better than the racers but they dont race because they cant afford it. And those good people who can drive better than best racers ( im not saying there crap ) wont ever get a chance in F1 and if they did they probably do good!
Chaz said on 8th March 2010, 18:01
Great stuff. Good luck to Anthony…