Mercedes signs up 13-year-old Chinese karting charger

©Mercedes

Mercedes has welcomed a new member to its driver development program, signing up 13-year-old Chinese karter Yuanpu Cui.

The talented young charger from the city of Xi'an started racing as a six-year-old and hasn't looked back since, celebrating his success in various karting categories and finishing second in the 2016 Chinese Rotax championship.

This year, Yuanpu is once again competing in a number of different karting series in the OK Junior class as a member of the Kart Republic (Argenti Motorsport) squad.

©Mercedes

"We're really excited to welcome Yuanpu Cui to the Mercedes family as the newest signing of our young driver programme," said Gwen Lagrue, Mercedes' Driver Development Advisor.

"We're proud to be helping young drivers from a diverse range of countries and backgrounds on their rise up the motorsport ladder.

Read also: Mercedes adds F3 charger Vesti to junior programme

"Yuanpu certainly caught our attention and has shown great promise during his karting career so far.

"He's the top karting talent from China and there hasn't been a Chinese F1 driver yet, so we're looking forward to seeing how Yuanpu progresses and helping him move up the racing ranks."

Cui joins at Mercedes Danish FIA Formula 3 racer Frederik Vesti who was signed up by the manufacturer earlier this year.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.