FEWTRELL JOINS CARLIN FOR MSA FORMULA

Fewtrell (pictured) steps up to single seaters for the first time in 2016 – Photo: Jakob Ebrey

Kart star Max Fewtrell is the latest signing to the Ford EcoBoost-powered MSA Formula Championship; the 16-year-old from Birmingham is to team up with champion squad Carlin for his assault on the BTCC support series.

Max has a wealth of karting experience dating back to 2009; he won the Trofeo Andrea Margutti KFJ series in 2014 and finished third in the German KFJ championship the same year. Since graduating from KF in 2015, Fewtrell has gained single-seater experience in the MRF Challenge Formula 2000 Series, taking a best finish of third in Dubai against many more experienced drivers.

He hopes his partnership with Trevor Carlin’s respected outfit will be as successful as that of inaugural MSA Formula Champion Lando Norris. “I’m really excited to get going,” said Max. “Carlin is a really big name in motorsport, all the little details I learn with the team will definitely help me throughout my career. I couldn’t really ask for a better place to start my career in cars. The tests have gone really well, our pace is looking strong and I’ve been improving every time. The goal is definitely to win the championship this year, I can’t wait.”

Harry Soden of Infinity Sports Management added: “MSA Formula will be a really good stepping stone for Max. Testing has gone well, he’s been quick, eager to learn and gets on well with the team, so we’re looking forward to seeing how he progresses. With a race-winning team like Carlin supporting him, there should be no reason why Max can’t run at the front.”

Trevor Carlin, Carlin Motorsport: “We’re extremely happy to have Max in the team; he’s shown great pace in testing so far, and despite his young age he has demonstrated real maturity in the car. As his first season in car racing, no doubt 2016 will be a steep learning curve but Max has all the necessary skills to be able to be competitive from the outset.”

The opening rounds of MSA Formula – Certified by FIA, Powered by Ford EcoBoost are set for Brands Hatch in early April. The series is Britain’s official version of the FIA’s Formula 4 concept and was introduced last season as a supporting series on the live-televised British Touring Car Championship package.

Alex Battipaglia