Race-winning BRDC Formula 4 outfit Hillspeed has finalised deals with its first two drivers for the 2015 Championship, with 16-year-old Omani karting graduate Al Faisal Al Zubar and 18-year-old South African Sebastian Lanzetti joining the series.
Al Zubair’s signing marks a renewal of Hillspeed’s working relationship with successful Omani sports car racer Ahmad Al Harthy, who is acting as a mentor for his compatriot. Al Harthy raced with Richard Ollerenshaw’s Hillspeed squad when he debuted in British ,otor racing in 2007.
Whilst this is Al Zubair’s full-time graduation into car racing, he has previous experience from the Formula Gulf 1000 series, in which he currently lies fourth in the driver standings. His extensive karting CV includes the 2013/14 Oman Senior Rotax Max Challenge Crown, and he was part of the title-winning Oman Endurance Karting Championship team, in addition to appearances in the UAE Junior Rotax Max Challenge and at British Championship level.
Lanzetti’s signing follows an intensive F4 test with Hillspeed in Spain prior to Christmas. He makes his UK debut with backing from IVMA Engineering, NETASSESS – leaders in Automotive Assessing – and MANHATTAN Computer Solutions.
Lanzetti’s karting career dates back to 2009 in South Africa, where within two years he was awarded a wildcard entry to the prestigious ROK World Finals. He made his first appearances in cars in 2012, with outings in domestic Formula Ford and Formula VW, before picking up the x30 Shifter Kart title in 2013.
Ollerenshaw commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to confirm two deals so early in the New Year and to welcome both Al Faisal and Sebastian into the team.
“It’s fantastic to renew a working relationship with Ahmad [Al Harthy] and we’re delighted he’s chosen to place his young protégé with Hillspeed in BRDC Formula 4. The plan is to start Al Faisal’s testing programme in February.
“Sebastian’s deal has been closed earlier than we originally expected, so we’re thrilled about that and believe it is testament to the quality of the BRDC Formula 4 car and the championship along with the good work we completed with him in early December during our exclusive test in Spain.
“Racing in BRDC F4 is obviously going to be a big step for both guys, but we’re confident they’ll each progress very well in their respective first seasons in the UK. We’re currently in discussions with several other drivers concerning our third and final seat in F4 too and expect to be able to announce our complete 2015 line-up in the near future.”
