Honda sign up 16-year-old Will Stevens to groom him for Formula 1
Karting ace, Will Stevens has signed a long-term agreement with Honda Racing F1 Team which will see the Japanese giant support his rise through the motor sport ranks.
The 16-year-old Briton will be given support in developing the level of performance needed to become an F1 driver in future, just as McLaren supported the young Lewis Hamilton.
Stevens has already picked up numerous titles in his karting career, including the 2005 MSA British junior championship and both the European and Asia-Pacific KF2 titles in 2007.
He will race for the prestigious TonyKart outfit in the premier KF1 class in 2008 and is delighted to now have the backing of Honda. Stevens says:
“I am extremely proud to be joining the Honda Racing F1 Team and this provides me with a great opportunity to progress my career towards my goal of reaching Formula 1,”
“I would like to thank everyone who has helped me so far in my career and especially Honda for their commitment and support of my future.”
“I intend to do my very best to ensure that their belief in me is rewarded.”
Stevens met with Honda Racing’s CEO Nick Fry and team boss Ross Brawn for a tour of the squad’s Brackley HQ and has been warmly greeted into the fold.
“We are delighted to welcome Will to the Honda Racing F1 Team,” said Ron Meadows, Honda’s sporting director.”
“Will has had a very promising career in karting to date and we very much look forward to assisting his advancement through the ranks of the junior formulae towards achieving his ultimate ambition to race in Formula 1.”
“Honda considers the development of emerging motorsport talent to be a key part of our strategy and our commitment to Formula 1.”
“We look forward to seeing how Will progresses with our support over the course of the next few years.”
Attracting youngsters from schools and grooming them for stardom was first conducted by Manchester United,
Lewis Hamilton was taken under the wing of McLaren and is now regarded as one the best drivers in Formula 1 at the age of just 21.
Hamilton say that he sees his entire career with the McLaren team so is this the future for Formula 1 and what are the consequences?
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