Christchurch’s Marcus Armstrong begins his northern hemisphere campaign this weekend as the FIA Italian Formula 4 Championship gets underway at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. After a successful campaign back in NZ finishing fourth overall in the 2017 Toyota Racing Series, Armstrong is now embarking on an ambitious winter program competing in both the Italian and German F4 championships with the highly successful Prema PowerTeam.
The Italian squad is set for a demanding 2017 season on multiple fronts which will definitely provide plenty of challenges. The Prema operation will be back in action this weekend and will line-up for the opening round of the Italian F.4 Championship powered by Abarth at the popular venue located close to the Adriatic riviera will also host the opening round of the Blancpain GT Season.
Prema will be fully-staffed, with four drivers eager to get back in contention after their winter break. They are determined to continue the great run of form that led to the 2016 Team title, aiming for even more success along the way.
The four-strong combo will include two drivers returning to the series for their second season and two talented rookies still taking their first steps in single seaters. American Juan Manuel Correa and Estonian Jüri Vips, who won the 2016 rookie honours, will represent continuity with the goal of staying at the front and battling for wins. On the other hand, New Zealander Marcus Armstrong and Brazilian Enzo Fittipaldi, coming from the Ferrari Driver Academy, are looking forward to making quick strides throughout the season.
“We are ready to go back on-track again and we cannot wait to see how the hard work done this winter will play out,” commented Angelo Rosin – Team Principal. “We have a very competitive and integrated group of drivers and there is great chemistry among the team. They are determined to fight for wins but also to make progress personally and professionally. The last season has been amazing. We definitely want to keep up and bring home even more success.”
Weekend Timetable
Friday, March 31st
11:35: Practice 1
16:55: Practice 2
Saturday, April 1st
9:35: Qualifying
16:55: Race 1 (28 min + 1 lap)
Sunday, April 2nd
10:10: Race 2 (25 min + 1 lap)
16:55: Race 3 (28 min + 1 lap)
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