Sauber Junior Team F4 development drivers revealed

The Sauber Junior Team is pleased to confirm that Roman Staněk, Alessandro Ghiretti and Theo Pourchaire will be its drivers in the Formula 4 category during 2019.

Sauber Motorsport, which runs the Alfa Romeo Racing entry in Formula 1, partnered with Charouz Racing System in November to launch the Sauber Junior Team programme.

The programme mission is to support and develop the skills of a carefully-selected group of young drivers from 2019 onwards.

The Sauber Junior Team initiative is unique in international motorsport as it gives talented youngsters a clear pathway to potentially progress from the FIA’s entry-level single-seater category to the verge of Formula 1 with a single team.

The drivers that will fly the flag for the Sauber Junior Team by US Racing – Charouz in the German and Italian F4 championships are reigning South East Asia F4 champion, Alessandro Ghiretti, 17, Czech Republic National Team karting graduate Roman Staněk, 14, and French F4 Junior Champion Théo Pourchaire, 15.

A fourth driver that will race under the watchful eye of US Racing’s Ralf Schumacher and Gerhard Ungar will be announced shortly.

Roman Staněk said: “This is an important season for me as I move up from karting, but I’m pleased I will have the professional support of both Sauber and Charouz. My focus is on staying calm during the season and making the best results I can. I’m very happy to join the Sauber Junior Team in F4.”

Alessandro Ghiretti said: “It’s going to be interesting to try a new Formula 4 championship. The car, tyres and tracks will be completely different to what I raced in Asia. But I’m excited for the new challenge. My goal is to adapt quickly and make a good job as I push for wins. Having a strong association with an F1 team is a good step at this stage of my career and I’m thankful for that.”

Théo Pourchaire said: “Joining the Sauber Junior Team programme in F4 is a dream chance. Sauber Motorsport has helped so many young drivers in the past and I hope I can follow in their footsteps. I’m excited to step up and test myself at a higher level. It won’t be easy and I will be racing against some good team-mates who are fast, but my objective is to work hard and try to win the championship.”

Antonin Charouz, Charouz Racing System owner, said: “It’s clear that the Sauber Junior Team by Charouz programme provides a unique opportunity for young drivers and I think we’ve brought together an extremely talented and determined line-up for 2019.

“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our team’s history and we’re looking forward to building on our recent race and championship-winning form in the F2 and F4 categories, as well as showing or strengths in F3, as part of our partnership with Sauber Motorsport.”

Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal Alfa Romeo Racing and CEO Sauber Motorsport AG said: “The Sauber Junior Team is heading into the 2019 season with a strong line-up in the FIA single-seater categories – F2, F3 and F4. Our project was launched with the goal of passing on our experience to young drivers and providing a platform where they can successfully develop their skills and come closer to their dream of racing at the pinnacle of motorsport one day. We look forward to our collaboration and will follow the progress of these young talents closely.”

Antonin Charouz, Charouz Racing System owner, said: “It’s clear that the Sauber Junior Team by Charouz programme provides a unique opportunity for young drivers and I think we’ve brought together an extremely talented and determined line-up for 2019.

“This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our team’s history and we’re looking forward to building on our recent race and championship-winning form in the F2 and F4 categories, as well as showing or strengths in F3, as part of our partnership with Sauber Motorsport.”