Aston Martin launch young driver programme

British manufacture Aston Martin has officially announced its new junior programme to promote young talent at the Autosport International Show. With the programme named ‘Evolution Academy’ Aston Martin wants a private junior programme to help them continue to succeed in their GT programmes in the future.

amr young driver

From now, young drivers between the ages of 17 and 25 can apply for one of the 10 places on Aston Martins young driver programme. The only requirement for the drivers between the age range is that they must have an active 2015 contract with a GT3 or GT4 team. The Evolution Academy offers drivers a training programme to improve their on track performance. The programme will also help improve drivers’ nutrition, endurance and fitness, PR and marketing skills as well as dealing with sponsors. All key aspects to having a successful career. As well as the theory aspect to the Evolution Academy, there will also be regular opportunities to train on Aston Martin’s in-house simulator under the watchful eye of an Aston Martin factory driver, which will be the junior mentor.

The Evolution Academy begins in tandem with the start of the 2015 season. At the end of the year, all participants will compete against each other to see how they have taken what they have learned and how the are applying it to their racing. The most successful participant will have an opportunity to drive in the FIA WEC or the Blancpain GT series for Aston Martin in 2016.

Team Principle John Gaw said “At Aston Martin Racing we have a proven track record of taking drivers from a GT4 programme through GT3 to the pinnacle of current GT racing, GTE.” He went onto say that “The Evolution Academy is a fantastic opportunity for young drivers and we have invested in it because we are confident we can find our future works team drivers this way.”

Source – Aston Martin Press Material