F1 ace George Russell has launched a karting programme to help young drivers develop their motorsport skills.
The GR63 Karting Academy, based next to Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, will offer children aged eight to nine the chance to compete for places in an eight-round championship next year.
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The academy will operate through four stages, beginning with qualifying sessions from 6 to 31 December.
“I know how hard it is for talented young drivers to get that first opportunity. I want to give something back,” said Russell, from King’s Lynn in Norfolk.
Silverstone’s Karting track was opened earlier this year by the 28-year-old Mercedes driver.
The 80 fastest qualifiers will then progress to a knockout on 31 January 2027, where 25 places in the GR63 Championship will be decided.
Organisers said the competition was “designed to make karting accessible to talented youngsters whose families may not have the budget required to progress through the sport”.
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“I know how hard it is for talented young drivers to get that first opportunity, especially when budgets are tight,” Russell said.
Kart Silverstone is positioned next to the main Silverstone Circuit, used for events including F1 and Moto GP [Silverstone Circuit]
The championship will run from March to November 2027, with each round taking place on a different circuit configuration at Silverstone.
All 25 selected drivers will receive funding for the competition, along with academy equipment, including racing overalls, helmets, gloves and boots.
In December 2027, the five highest-placed championship drivers will take part in a final assessment. They will be evaluated on driving ability, lap times, fitness, race craft and media skills.
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The overall winner will receive funding for a karting season in 2028.
“Karting is where it all started for me, and it taught me everything I’ve relied on throughout my career,” Russell added.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
