Force India launches its academy to promote Indian drivers
More and more teams are implementing development programs to create a pipeline capable of providing them with drivers they have followed throughout their careers. Today, it's Force India that is taking this step, but its academy will be reserved only for young Indian talents.
The approach undertaken by Vijay Mallya’s team is therefore unique in more ways than one. It clearly distinguishes itself from the program implemented by Team Lotus, which primarily targets the Asian public as a whole but has also not hesitated to include Western drivers.
In addition to the required nationality, Force India has decided to involve one of its main suppliers, Mobil1, in the project. Thus the press release states that “Mobil1 presents the Force India Formula One Team Academy.” To ensure a good measure, the airline Kingfisher is also clearly mentioned since it is owned by the Indian businessman.
He thus declares: The Force India F1 Team Academy was designed with the ambition of inspiring young Indians, who have the talent but so far have not had a real opportunity or a serious platform to showcase their abilities. I hope this academy will give young Indians, who have the necessary passion, a chance to show their talent and an opportunity to excel so that we can develop their talent by mentoring them appropriately in the long term. If the academy is able to place an Indian on the grid, then all these efforts will have been justified.
Based on the concept of “professional” television shows (Star Academy, Masterchef…), several stages must be completed by the candidates in order to benefit from the stable’s support program. Thus, seven karting sessions will take place across India, where 14 young talents will be selected at each stage. A national final with 100 participants will be organized on an Indian circuit, the precise location of which has not yet been made public.
The grand finale will feature only 10 candidates and will take place in the prestigious setting of Silverstone. The participants will then have a full week to explore the various aspects of a professional driver’s career (physical training, media…). Three young talents will be selected by a panel of specialists. Their names will be revealed with great fanfare during the first edition of the Indian Grand Prix, on the last weekend of October. The winner will secure a spot in a British championship, the second will have to settle for the same opportunity in their home country, while the third will benefit from extensive karting training in Asia.
With the participation of RacingBusiness.fr
