FORD F4 CHALLENGE CUP CHAMP ERICSSON BACK FOR 2018

15-year-old Hampus Ericsson from Kumla, Sweden will contest the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost with Fortec Motorsports in 2018, after winning the Ford F4 Challenge Cup in the final race of the 2017 season.

Ericsson returns to the UK’s leading junior single-seater series after an impressive rookie year in which he secured a record nine Challenge Cup class wins, whilst also stepping onto the main podium at Knockhill and Brands Hatch. This year the young Team BAUHAUS backed driver returns with his eyes firmly on the main prize. 

“I am thrilled to be returning to the F4 British Championship after winning the Challenge Cup last season and can’t wait for the first round at Brands Hatch,” said Ericsson.

“I am excited to be back with Fortec after a successful 2017 season. Last year was a big learning curve for me. It was my first time in a single-seater and I had to become familiar with all the British tracks.

“I feel very comfortable with the team and after some great finishes last year I’m confident we can work together to achieve a top result. I am doing everything within my power to prepare myself both physically and mentally for a competitive 2018 season.

“A massive thank you to my sponsor Team BAUHAUS for making this possible, and everyone who has invested in myself and my career so far.”

Ericsson, the youngest member of Svensk Bilsport – Sweden’s national team for drivers – turned heads in the final round of the 2017 F4 British Championship at Brands Hatch. The Swede made a bold move around the outside of vice-champion Oscar Piastri at Druids and swiftly overtook newly-crowned champion Jamie Caroline at the following corner, as he fought through the field from from ninth on the grid to seize the final spot on the podium.

Ericsson’s pedigree and talent are unquestionable as he looks to prove himself on the main stage and race at the front of a highly competitive field, featuring a host of gifted youngsters.   
Ericsson’s older brother, Marcus, was no stranger to success with the Fortec Motorsports team. He won the Formula BMW UK Championship in his rookie year and went on to score a number of podiums with the team in Formula 3 before climbing his way up to Formula 1.

“Hampus has showed great natural talent over the past year and we have kept this momentum over winter testing,” said Fortec Motorsports team manager Oliver Dutton.

“There’s no doubting that Hampus has raw speed and talent. He has been very competitive throughout his karting career and set the lap record at the World Junior Karting Finals in Bahrain.

“Hampus is maturing into a confident racing driver. He knows what it takes to be successful and is very passionate about the sport. I am excited to see what Hampus can deliver this year.”