Fittipaldi signs for Ferrari!

40

Ferrari is lining up its future thoroughbreds as the latest members of its exclusive Driver Academy are awarded racing programs with partner Prema in 2017.

Brazilian Enzo Fittipaldi, the grandson of two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi, will be entering the Italian Formula 4 Championship with the Prema team in 2017.

After enjoying a successful career in American kart competition, he took part in the Mexican Formula 4 round held jointly with Formula 1 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

He also entered in a few rounds of the 2016 Ginetta Junior Championship in the united Kingdom.

Following the usual process, Fittipaldi was selected at the end of a stage held in Maranello featuring simulator, physical and on-track training.

"I am very happy and honored to be racing with Prema and to be part of the Ferrari Driver Academy," said the teenager.

" Being a rookie this year I know I will have a lot to learn, but nonetheless I am really motivated and looking forward to the start of the season."

Giovinazzi could get Friday outings in 2017

The second aspiring champion who Ferrari has brought under its wing is New Zealander Marcus Armstrong who has also joined the Prema roster.

A committed racer who raced successfully in karting before stepping up to Formula Ford, Armstrong also got a taste of Formula Ford and British F3 last season.

The 16-year-old will enjoy a double-program in 2017, racing in both the Italian and German F4 championships.

“I’m very pleased to be working with Prema Powerteam for the 2017 season," said Armstrong.

"There is a huge amount of knowledge and experience within the team, and it's fantastic to share the same ambition.

"Between Prema and the Ferrari Driver Academy I feel a great collaboration and I can't thank them enough.”
GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.