Pirelli is getting ready to supply the next generation of racing talent when the new-look F4 British Championship gets underway later this month.
The championship, which is holding its official season launch today at Silverstone, is a new addition to Pirelli’s motorsport portfolio for 2022. The Italian company has been appointed as official tyre supplier by Motorsport UK, which has taken on the organisation of the championship from this season onwards.
The agreement furthers Pirelli’s commitment to encouraging talented young drivers within motorsport. In fact, with British F4 aimed at those who are making their first steps in car racing, it will be possible for drivers entering the championship to climb the single-seater ladder all the way to Formula 1 with Pirelli, which also supplies Formula Regional, Formula 3 and Formula 2.
The drivers taking part in the 2022 season will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of current Formula 1 driver Lando Norris as well as the reigning Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri and Formula 3 champion Dennis Hauger, all of whom are previous British F4 graduates.
Several of the teams entering British F4 already field cars in Formula 2 and Formula 3, while the drivers already announced to be taking part include young talent recently signed to the junior programmes of the Mercedes, McLaren and Williams Formula 1 teams: Demonstrating the championship’s appeal as the place to develop the racing stars of the future.
All of the drivers will race the new-for-2022 second-generation F4 car from Tatuus, which incorporates the halo cockpit safety device and is powered by an Abarth engine producing 180 horsepower.
Pirelli will equip the drivers with tyres designed especially for F4, which are proven in other countries around the world (including Italy, Germany and France) and tailored to the different demands of the new car. They are intended to provide young drivers with the grip and confidence they require while also helping them to hone valuable skills for their future.
As it already does in other championships, Pirelli has made sure its support of young drivers goes beyond simply supplying tyres. At the end of the season, the 2022 champion will receive a funded test in a Formula Regional car courtesy of Pirelli, providing them with relevant experience ahead of their step up to the next level. Pirelli has also created a Hardest Charger Award, which will reward the driver who completes the most overtaking moves during each race weekend with a free set of tyres to use in testing, helping them to make the most of their time on track.
The British F4 calendar consists of 30 races across 10 weekends, all as part of British Touring Car Championship events. The season begins at Donington Park on April 23-24 and visits numerous other classic British circuits, including Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Oulton Park.
Jonathan Wells, Pirelli UK motorsport manager: “It is an exciting moment for Pirelli to be part of the British F4 season launch at Silverstone, with the first races just a few weeks away. The majority of those lining up on the grid dream of racing at circuits like Silverstone in Formula 1 in the future, and encouraging and promoting the careers of young drivers is a major part of Pirelli’s motorsport commitment. In our partnership with British F4, this support includes providing the champion with a funded Formula Regional test as well as our Hardest Charger Award for the drivers completing the most overtakes, ensuring those who stand out on track have the chance to make the most of the talent they demonstrate. From the calibre of the teams and drivers already confirmed, we can see that the package put together by Motorsport UK is proving popular and we are delighted to be a part of it.”
