3 British Karters selected for Winfield Racing School

You’d be forgiven for not knowing what the Winfield Racing School is. But it’s significance is quite large. Let us explain.

The French based company offers race experiences in Formula Renault, Formula 4 and even Formula 1 cars for the general public. Based at the Paul Ricard circuit, it also offers coaching for drivers to help build their careers and skills. Why are we talking about it? Because last year they launched the Volant Winfield, a competition aimed at finding and helping the best young talent on their way to Formula 1. In 2018, Brazilian Ciao Collet won the competition, which gave him a fully funded drive in the French F4 championship, which he went on to win.

Now, the 18 contenders for the 2019 prize drive have been announced, and they include some of karting’s top drivers, of which 3 are British. Firstly is Senior X30 world Champion Joe Turney. The now Tony Kart factory driver is looking to make his first step into single seaters and is one of the oldest drivers in the competition. Turney’s KR sport team mate Clayton Ravenscroft has also been selected. Then there is Callum Bradshaw, the CRG factory driver has had a mixed run of recent times. He will be hoping that this can be the thing that kick starts his single seater career. A 4th British driver is Emily Linscott. The Ginetta Junior driver has some experience in the Magyle F4 car that will be used for the selection process, which could help her on the day. One of the youngest drivers on the list is regining world junior champion Victor Bernier. The 14 year old is barely old enough to compete in the French F4 championship, but is by no means the only driver of his age in the competition.

There are 2 prizes up for grabs. Firstly is the main prize of a full campaign in the French F4 championship, the best junior driver will recieve 2 days of F4 testing as well as entry into the final round of the French F4 championship. It won’t be easy for any of the drivers though, as a grueling 3 day evaluation process will decide the eventual winner. The event takes place between February 23rd-25th at Paul Ricard circuit, with the first workshops including interviews, physical evaluation and theory tests. Day 2 sees drivers getting out on track for 4 training sessions on track with the coaches. The final day sees more on track running, as well as theory tests before the 18 are whittled down to just 3. Then after further sessions on track, the winner will be announced on February 25th. In total, each driver will have over 300km of running over the 3 days.

The full list of selected drivers is below:

– Victor Bernier* (France), 14 years old
– Mari Boya (Spain), 15 years old
– Callum Bradshaw (England), 17 years old
– Loris Cabirou* (France), 14 years old
– Hadrien David (France), 15 years old
– Tara Eichenberger (Switzerland), 16 years old
– Ugo Gazil (France), 16 years old
– Nicky Hays (USA), 17 years old
– Gillian Henrion (France), 15 years old
– Enzo Joulie* (France), 14 years old
– Hugo Le Henaff (France), 16 years old
– Emily Linscott (England), 16 years old
– Jules Mettetal (France), 15 years old
– Kobe Pauwels* (Belgium), 14 years old
– Doriane Pin (France), 15 years old
– Clayton Ravenscroft (England), 16 years old
– Evan Spenle (France), 15 years old
– Joe Turney (England), 17 years old

*denotes drivers eligible for Junior prize

There is a lot at stake for those drivers who have been selected, with the chance of a full season’s international racing available. The chance for progression is also available, with Collet now being a part of the Renault sport Academy.

Image: Winfield Racing School