Sebastian Manson selected for Ferrari Driver Academy trials

Kiwi Sebastian Manson, 15, has been confirmed as part of the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) – Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection program for 2023.

Following an application process that saw more than 100 aspiring drivers apply, 25 of the best young talents from around the region were selected and will now make their way to Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia to take part in the five-day program.

The program will see each participant undergo rigorous testing both in the car and out, before two drivers are invited to the FDA’s Scouting World Finals in Maranello, where they will go up against drivers from other regions for a potential place in the FDA next year.

Highlighting the international diversity of the selection program, representatives from six different countries feature in the top 25, including China, South Korea and the Philippines, while there will once again be participants representing India, New Zealand and Australia.

Manson, an accomplished karter, has been honing his craft in Formula Ford over the past few seasons, notching up podiums, pole positions and fastest laps in the NZ Formula Ford Championship as well as the North and South Island based series. Mason is also a graduate of the Elite MotorSport Academy of New Zealand.

The program will begin on Saturday 23 September, where participants will spend two days completing seat fittings and a track walk, as well as undergoing meetings with their engineers and the event staff.

Official testing will then begin on Monday 25 September, where the candidates will showcase their skills behind the wheel of the Tatuus FIA F4-T421, as well as completing fitness testing and media and sponsorship sessions.

The top six drivers will then be selected to take part in the final day of the program on Wednesday 27 September, where they will get one last chance to impress FDA and Motorsport Australia representatives for a spot in the FDA’s Scouting World Finals at the end of October.

The Ferrari Driver Academy – Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection program takes place Sepang International Circuit on 23-27 September.