F1 Academy Champion Marta Garcia Lands Huge Next Career Move

Marta Garcia has secured a fully funded seat in the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) for the forthcoming season. This notable career progression comes on the heels of her triumphant run in the inaugural all-female F1 Academy series.

Key Takeaways:

• Marta Garcia, the F1 Academy series champion, is set to make a significant leap in her racing career by participating in the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA), racing with the elite junior team Prema Racing.
• The 23-year-old Spaniard's drive will be funded collaboratively by tyre giant Pirelli, the F1 Academy, automobile manufacturer Tatuus, and Prema Racing itself.
• Garcia's move marks a pivotal moment in women's motorsports, offering a pathway for young female drivers to compete alongside male counterparts and advance through the racing tiers.

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Marta Garcia, a 23-year-old Spanish driver and the champion of the F1 Academy series, has made a monumental leap in her motorsport career. After showcasing her skills and determination in the all-female F1 Academy series, she has secured a fully-funded drive with Prema Racing in the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) for the next season. Garcia will be competing against a slew of up-and-coming male drivers in this European series, which is positioned just below Formula Three in the motorsport ladder.

The funding for Garcia's drive comes from a consortium of prominent names in the racing world. Tyre supplier Pirelli, the F1 Academy, renowned junior team Prema Racing, and car manufacturer Tatuus have all come together to support this promising young talent.

"F1 Academy is all about progression and creating more opportunities for young women across motorsport, so to offer a fully funded seat in FRECA for our inaugural champion is a significant moment," shared Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy.

Prema Racing, based in Italy, holds an impressive track record in motorsports. They are the reigning champions in FRECA and have a substantial presence in Formula Three and Formula Two. Notable drivers such as Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, Oscar Piastri of McLaren, and Mick Schumacher, the son of legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher, have all clinched the FIA F2 championship with Prema. Moreover, Lance Stroll of Aston Martin and Esteban Ocon of Alpine have both been crowned European F3 champions with the team.

It's worth noting that no woman has participated in a Formula One grand prix since Lella Lombardi in 1976. Garcia's progression is a step forward in changing this narrative and creating more opportunities for women in motorsport.

The F1 Academy is poised to support seven grands prix in the next season, spanning three continents. The season is set to kick off in Saudi Arabia and will conclude in Abu Dhabi.