Andy Meyrickthe drivers have already started to lay the foundations for their forthcoming campaigns, setting their targets for personal and physical developments over the season.
We are changing the focus of what we do to reflect a more coach-led system of training which is in keeping with the best coaching practice seen in other sports, explained Robert Reid, MSA Performance Director. The drivers will work consistently with the Performance Managers through the year to determine what kind of intervention they require. The scheme will become much more tailored to the requirements of the individual driver and even in the early days last month, we have started to see a real benefit.
The MSAs Performance Managers are already coach-qualified and are also engaged in a two-year Level 4 post-graduate diploma in Elite Sports Coaching through the University of Central Lancashire. Their role within Team UK will be to work with drivers to identify the additional help that might be required and bring in the experts to deliver that support, whether it be sports psychology, in-car driver training, data analysis, strength and conditioning coaching, specialist technical awareness or nutrition.
We are extremely grateful to David for the way he created and developed first Race Elite and then the Team UK programme for six years and he will continue to play an important role in the whole MSA Academy, said Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive. As the governing body, the MSA is committed to providing as much as assistance as possible to help young British drivers achieve their full potential. That is not only good news for them, but also for the whole of British motor sport, as International success helps the development of the entire sport.
"Brabham Performance Clinic and I are proud of the way the MSA young driver programme has developed over the last six years and that we have taken it to a point where the MSA can take over the running of the scheme," said David Brabham. "It has been a real pleasure to work with so many talented drivers and see them develop not only as drivers, but as people. To see our graduate drivers like Sam Bird, James Calado and new F1 signing Max Chilton reach high levels in the sport and also the current drivers like Jack Harvey and Elfyn Evans win their respective championships in 2012 has been fantastic. I look forward to continuing my relationship with the MSA as an advisor, alongside developing my company BPC in continuing to help drivers reach their goals."
The 2013 Team UK programme comprises the following race and rally drivers:
Jake Dennis, aged 17 from Nuneaton, WarwickshireMark Donnelly, aged 21 from Omagh, TyroneElfyn Evans, aged 24 from Machynlleth, Powys Jack Harvey, aged 19 from Bassingham, Lincolnshire Josh Hill, aged 22 from Farnham, SurreyAlex Lynn, aged 19 from Dunmow, Essex John MacCrone, aged 23 from Tobermory, Isle of Mull Josh Webster, aged 18 from Stowmarket, SuffolkNick Yelloly, aged 22 from Solihull, West Midlands
In addition, former WRC co-driver Nicky Grist will be working with the following co-drivers:
Stuart Loudon, aged 24 from Larkhall, Lanarkshire James Morgan, aged 21 from Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan
