ADAC Formula 4 teams in profile – Part 3

18 teams to contest the ADAC junior formula series in 2015
International starting field with teams from six countries
42 entries due to line up on grid at Oschersleben

Munich. Interest in ADAC Formula 4 has exceeded all expectations. Everything is now set for an exciting 2015 debut season for the new junior ADAC open-wheel series. A number of newcomers along with well-known teams from the previous series, Formel ADAC, will constitute a competitive international field of no fewer than 42 entries. The inaugural season of the ADAC Formula 4 gets under way on the weekend of 24th - 26th April, 2015, in the etropolis Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. SPORT 1 and SPORT1+ will broadcast live pictures from races staged by the ADAC ‘high-speed academy’. An overview of the ADAC Formula 4 teams. Part 3.

Race Performance

The team which was first set up in 2002 is breaking new ground in motorsport with its decision to participate in the ADAC Formula 4. Led by Urs Meier, the team from Münsingen in Switzerland would like to help trainee open-wheel drivers make their way up the ladder into professional motor racing. “We aim to give the next generation of drivers the opportunity to develop their racing skills,” said Meier. “The many years of experience that we have here at Race Performance provide the perfect environment, and the ADAC Formula 4 series is tailor made for this purpose.” Race Performance have years of extensive experience in endurance racing behind them. From 2010 to 2014, the squad lined up five times in a row in the 24-Hours of Le Mans and recently took part in the European Le Mans Series.

RS Competition

RS Competition’s involvement in the ADAC Formula 4 brings another touch of international flair to the scene. The Danish team is headed by German-Danish team principal Robert Schlünssen, who has been active in championing the cause of juniors in sport for many years. Schlünssen was formerly a professional racing driver and lined up in a number of series, including Formula Renault and the Danish Touring Car Championship. The team had been active in karting since 2006, winning championships in Germany, Denmark and Scandinavia during 2014. By setting up the Formula 4 team, RS Competition aim to provide a further opportunity for young talents to progress in the sport. “In view of the growing ambition of our drivers, it is abundantly clear to me that we must take the next step with them,” said Schlünssen.

Team Scheider

Two-time DTM champion Timo Scheider is building on his existing package for juniors with Team Scheider. Scheider has supported and promoted young talents with his own karting team since 2010. DTM driver Scheider wants to offer young drivers a further opportunity to make their way up the ladder in professional motorsport through the team. “ADAC Formula 4 is cost effective and provides a good framework. It affords me the perfect opportunity to work with my team and take the next step in promoting juniors,” said Scheider.

SMG Swiss Motorsport

The SMG Swiss Motorsport Group AG based in Lucerne will continue the successful work begun by JBR Motorsport & Engineering GmbH, who are well-known from Formel ADAC. SMG founder and team boss Jörn Becker has worked mainly in Formula 1 for over eight years. He has set ambitious targets for SMG Swiss Motorsport in the upcoming season. Becker: “We are well prepared for the new ADAC Formula 4 and look forward to a successful season. Our team are experienced and motivated. Our goal is very clear – to compete for wins and podiums from the outset in what will most certainly be a hard-fought championship.

Van Amersfoort Racing

Van Amersfoort Racing has one of the longest histories of any motor racing team from the Netherlands. The team founded in 1975 by team boss Frits van Amersfoort contested the Formel ADAC during 2008 and 2009. Kevin Magnussen, who debuted last season in Formula 1 with McLaren, was a member of the squad of drivers at Van Amersfoort in 2008. The team trained Max Verstappen, the youngest driver ever in the history of Formula 1. His father, Jos Verstappen, also drove for Van Amersfoort Racing in his day. Other former, well known racing drivers from the team include reigning ADAC GT Masters championship runner-up Jaap van Lagen, DTM driver Lucas Auer and ex-Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde. “All the key factors are in place: A good car in which to learn, reliable technology and strict rules so that costs remain manageable,” said Frits van Amersfoort, speaking about ADAC Formula 4. “In Europe and on many other continents as well, there are many talented young drivers, waiting for the chance to move up from karting into open-wheel racing. This new ADAC Formula 4 series provides an excellent opportunity to do just that.”