As part of its commitment to supporting motor racing talent and promoting the ladder to success, Marussia Virgin Racing is rewarding some of the stars from this year’s Formula KGP championship with a test with the Manor Formula Renault 2.0 Team on 19 December in Barcelona.

The prize has been awarded to the karters who finished in the top three this season, along with the best rookie.

After a hard-fought Formula KGP season, Michael Simpson from Hull was crowned champion, followed in 2nd position by his team mate Tom Fawcett from Pontefract and with Mark Litchfield from Grantham in 3rd position. The best of the rookies, Jake Hughes from Birmingham, earned himself the test with a creditable 5th overall.

John Booth, Team Principal, Marussia Virgin Racing

“Karting is where it all began for most of today’s top Formula One drivers and it is a category we want to support. In my career I have seen Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Paul di Resta - to name but a few - take the step up from Karting to Single Seater Racing with the Manor Formula Renault Team, so it is exciting to incorporate this opportunity into our wider development programme.”

Tony Shaw, Manor Formula Renault 2.0 Team Manager

“I want to congratulate our four young karters on a fantastic season in KGP. This is a great opportunity at an early age and I’m sure they will recognise this and make the most of it.”