Ferrari Driver Academy finals drivers selected

William Go (Philippines) and Enzo Yeh (Chinese Taipei) have been selected as the two finalists from the recent Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Asia Pacific & Oceania Selection Program held at Sepang in Malaysia.

The pair were selected as the region’s two best representatives following an intensive three-day program held at Sepang’s Formula 1 circuit and run in partnership with scouting partner, Motorsport Australia. The event hosted 24 young drivers from around the Asia Pacific & Oceania region driving the latest generation Formula 4 cars.

Having made it to the program’s final six, Go and Yeh impressed the judges, which included FDA representatives, Jock Clear and Alessandro Vantini, securing a spot at the Scouting World Finals.

“We are pleased that our scouting programme continues to expand and it’s good to see that the number of youngsters taking part from Asia-Pacific countries is growing, with William and Enzo a testament to that,” said Marco Matassa, Head of FDA.

“Working with Motorsport Australia allows us to monitor many national racing programmes and therefore evaluate the most talented young drivers from this region. I can’t wait to see William and Enzo in action in Fiorano in October.”

Jock Clear, FDA Head Driver Coach, said the Asia-Pacific area scouting camp held in Malaysia was a great success. “Everything was organised perfectly by Motorsport Australia, who came up with a really competitive group of drivers,” he added.

“All 24 youngsters rose to the occasion and did themselves proud, helping each other and working well with the engineers. William and Enzo were just a cut above the rest and so they are the ones we have selected. I look forward to seeing them both tackling the FDA Scouting World Finals in Fiorano.”

According to Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations, Michael Smith, Go and Yeh impressed each day at the FDA selection program and deserve their place as the region’s top two performers.

“It was an extremely closely fought battle with the entire field of 24 drivers and again when it came down to the final six shootout on the last day of the camp; there were plenty of standout performances. Ultimately, William and Enzo have now been selected for the next stage, which is an exciting prospect for these two young drivers.

“On behalf of Motorsport Australia, we congratulate the pair on their selection and are looking forward to both drivers representing our region with pride.

“A big thank you must go to the FDA team, as well as all those who helped deliver the program in Malaysia this year. It was a very successful event.

“For those who missed out on selection in 2023, we know this is just the start of the journey and we can’t wait to see their motorsport achievements in the coming years,” said Smith.

Yeh said he is honoured to be selected as one of the final two competitors.

“I would like to thank my family, my coach and my engineer, as well as Ferrari and Motorsport Australia, for allowing me to be part of this very exciting program. In addition to racing, I also learned fitness, nutrition, media communication, sponsorship and other related knowledge in the three-day event,” he said.

“To contest for a position in the Ferrari Driver Academy is an amazing opportunity for me. I will make the most of this opportunity and put my best foot forward. I look forward to learning from the best, hopefully beating the best and expecting myself to be the best.”

Go said he was “genuinely taken aback” at having secured a spot among the top two.

“The week of the shootout demanded my absolute best, and to have this opportunity unfold is nothing short of a blessing,” he said.

“I’m eager to channel this blessing into pursuing my dreams wholeheartedly. My commitment extends beyond personal aspirations; I’m dedicated to giving my all for my team, my family, and my beloved country, the Philippines.”

Go and Yeh will head to Italy for the World Scouting Finals at the FDA in Fiorano (October 24 to 28) to take on some of the best young talent from around the world for a full-time place in the FDA program.