Motorsport Australia will once again organise the program, welcoming promising talents from the Asian Pacific and Oceania regions to participate in the regional event, assisting Ferrari in its quest to identify potential future champions. Following the success of last year's event at the renowned Sepang circuit in Malaysia, Motorsport Australia is set to host the FDA selection program at the historic former Formula 1 venue from September 24-26 this year.

The highly anticipated selection program aims to showcase the region's elite pool of young drivers who aspire to fulfill their dreams of competing in the pinnacle categories of international motor sport. Selected applicants will have the exceptional opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a specially-prepared Formula 4 Generation 2 car by Top Speed, on the renowned Sepang circuit, in front of esteemed Ferrari Driver Academy scouts. Their performance will determine their eligibility to compete in the Ferrari Driver Academy Finals in Italy later this year.

The Formula 4 cars featured in the program share the same chassis that was used in the highly competitive FIA Formula 4 UAE Championship earlier this year, driven by some of the most talented young drivers of recent times. The 2023 program includes a comprehensive lineup of activities designed to nurture and develop the young drivers, such as dedicated track time and testing, professional mechanics providing support and car preparation, guidance and training from experienced F4 race engineers, and the provision of a dedicated race engineer throughout the duration of the track sessions. In addition, participants will engage in fitness training and testing, media, sponsorship, and data analysis sessions, as well as benefit from workshops on nutrition and psychology.

The FDA, founded by Ferrari in 2009, has become renowned for identifying and nurturing drivers who possess the potential to represent Scuderia Ferrari on the international stage. Notably, the academy has produced some of the world's most prominent talents in recent years, with graduates successfully competing in Formula One and Formula Two, as well as various Championships and Series throughout Europe.

Australian driver James Wharton serves as a shining example of the program's success. Wharton, the first successful applicant through the partnership between Motorsport Australia and Ferrari Driver Academy in 2020, currently competes in competitive Formula 4 racing across Europe and the Middle East as a member of the FDA.

Motorsport Australia's Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations, Michael Smith, expressed his enthusiasm for providing young drivers in the region with the opportunity to showcase their talents and be a part of the FDA process.

"We are excited to once again collaborate with the FDA and offer young drivers the chance to fulfill their motor sport dreams and take a significant step in their careers", he said. "Importantly, this opportunity extends beyond Australians, as it is open to all eligible candidates from the Asia-Pacific region. We encourage aspiring drivers living in the eligible countries to apply for this program. Sepang proved to be an exceptional venue last year, centrally located in the region, and its status as an FIA Grade 1 international circuit makes it the perfect setting for this remarkable initiative."

"We are confident that numerous young drivers possess the skill and potential to secure their spot in this highly regarded academy. We eagerly anticipate showcasing their remarkable talent in front of FDA scouts."

Interested applicants are invited to complete an online application form, with submissions closing on June 16. Those who participated in the 2022 program are welcome to reapply for the 2023 edition.

The 2023 Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program will take place at the iconic Sepang circuit in Malaysia from September 23-27.