The FIA F4 global championship arrives in Asia with the first successful F4 South East Asia collective driver tests at Sepang F1 track earlier this month. A significant turning point for the development of Asian motor sport, the F4 SEA Championship, certified by the FIA, will kick off with a six-race event on the 5-7^th August at Sepang International Circuit.

The collective tests saw the Meritus.GP engineers and technicians prepare and set up the newly-arrived FIA F4 homologated cars, which were assembled in France by Malaysian technicians from the ground up during six weeks of intensive training with chassis and engine partners.

The two test days on the newly-resurfaced 5.543km Sepang F1 track on 29-30 June focused on introducing the FIA F4 race cars to the 14 ‘rookie’ drivers. The drivers, graduating from AsiaCup and transitioning from karting, put on an impressive show with lap times dropping to almost 4 seconds quicker than those seen in AsiaCup. The best time posted was 2:11.8s, but with a bit more development the drivers are confident that high 2.10’s are possible.

Peter Thompson, Triple A Chairman: “We believe F4SEA is the most important development in the history of Asian motor sport and our plan is to pioneer an integrated Asian motor sport ecosystem, creating careers for both drivers and technicians and providing all the steps to F1.”

Firhat Mokhzani, Triple A Managing Director: “We were very happy with the pace of the cars over the two days. Powered by a naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder 2000cc engine with 160bhp, these cars are more powerful than the AsiaCup cars we ran in the past. These successful collective tests have proved that we have chosen the right engine and chassis combination.”

Sharli Mohd, F4SEA Head of Championship Operations: “This week was very important as we prepare for the championship season ahead.  We were keen to test all our systems and overall it has been a very productive session. I am especially proud of our three-year journey through AsiaCup which formed the basis of our technical training programme. Formula 4 South East Asia has provided me and the Meritus.GP technicians with a fantastic opportunity to progress our skills.”

The new Formula 4 South East Asia Championship, certified by the FIA, is one of 12 championships in the FIA F4 global format. F4SEA is designed to develop Asia’s motor sport talent through a cost-effective programme and is the first step on the FIA’s streamlined pyramid to developing professional careers in the sport.

2016 Formula 4 South East Asia Championship Calendar – Certified by the FIA

30-Race Championship