F1 Scholarship set for take off.

The innovative F1 Scholarship - designed to take a driver all the way to contemporary Formula One competition on talent alone - has today released further details on their unique competition.

Series organiser and ex-Williams man, David Fleming has also revealed that entries are pouring in.

The innovative F1 Scholarship - designed to take a driver all the way to contemporary Formula One competition on talent alone - has today released further details on their unique competition.

Series organiser and ex-Williams man, David Fleming has also revealed that entries are pouring in.

"Entries have exceeded all expectations," said Fleming, "We're getting people applying from all over the world which shows just how important this competition is to people."

"This scholarship was needed, thank you," said Lars Viljoen, one of many entrants.

"Cracking! You pay for an evening's karting and if you're good enough it's free all the way to F1. Bring it on!" added Dr. Kieran McCullough, another of those hoping to make it all the way to the pinnacle of motorsport.

So what will it all involve? Read on as the organisers explain all...

It's simple the F1 Scholarship will assess all entrants and then decide who has the potential to be a future Formula One World Champion. They are then given the opportunity to make it to the top. The winner will go from being a novice to an F1 test driver in just three years if they're good enough!

The onus, of course, is on the driver to prove that they are an exceptional talent. But, having risen to the top of F1 Scholarship, they're bound to be!

The Scholarship:

There have been lots of scholarships in the past helping novices get to Formula Ford or helping top drivers get a taste of F1 etc. However, this is the first time that an initiative has been set up to help a total novice get all the way to a genuine contemporary Formula 1 drive.

And it could be YOU! This scholarship is based on talent alone. The only money you have to spend is the ?199 entry fee, which wouldn't buy you a seat to watch a Grand Prix!

F1 Scholarship is an extremely exciting project, which will hopefully unearth a future world champion.

Entry is restricted to novices only. If you have held a competition licence you must never have made it past novice level.

We aim to assess as many people as possible in round one with about 5 per cent making it through to round two. The final will see twenty competitors vying for the top prize.

The winner will compete in the 2004 Zip Formula powered by Ford Championship. Their performance will determine whether they progress right through to the prized test drive with the Renault F1 team in 2007.

Assessment:

Round 1:

When: January 27/28/29 2004
Where: Streatham Kart Raceway, 390 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 6HX
What: Interview, timed lapping in indoor karts.

Round 2:

When: February 18/19 2004
Where: Buckmore Park, Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent, ME5 9QG
What: More detailed interview, aptitude test, fitness assessment, timed lapping in 100cc karts, knockout race meeting.

Final:

When: March 18 2004
Where: Bedford Autodrome, Thurleigh Airfield, Thurleigh, Bedfordshire, MK44 2YP
What: Interviews, fitness assessment, technical tests, lapping in Zip Formula cars and saloons.

The Prize:

Once the winner is chosen they will receive intensive training in driving technique, race-craft, the technical aspects of racing, fitness and the psychological approach needed to be a champion. Testing will begin with 125cc karts and build up to official Zip test days before the first round. Tuition will be supervised by Zip Formula founder and boss Martin Hines and DTM driver Gary Paffett.

The first three races are crucial. You must prove to be a front-runner in these races to guarantee yourself the drive for the rest of the year. However, if you've risen to the top in F1 Scholarship then you should easily be a top six contender.

Should you win the title you will then earn a fully paid season in British Formula Renault in 2005 with a salary, expenses and ongoing tuition and marketing support.

Again, winning the title you will then earn a fully paid season in the Eurocup Formula Renault V6 2006 again with a salary, expenses and ongoing tuition and marketing support.

Winning the Eurocup Formula Renault V6 will then entitle you to a test drive with the Renault F1 team. Before and after the test you will receive management, marketing and professional support to capitalise on your Eurocup Formula Renault V6 success and to make the most of the Renault F1 test opportunity. Beyond that we will continue to work towards securing you a career as an F1 driver.

That's it!

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