At just 19 years old,Juan Manuel Correa, an Ecuadorian-American driver out of Miami Beach Florida, has put the pedal to the metal on his racing career - making headlines as first-pick in an innovative and competitive new training program that prepares junior drivers as the next generation of Formula 1! As of February 19th, Correa is officially training in Barcelona as he prepares to formally join the Sauber Junior Team for F2 Programme! The Programme was launched November 2018 via a partnership between Sauber Motorsport (which runs the Alfa Romeo Racing entry in Formula 1) and Charouz Racing Systemas a Junior Team who's mission is set to develop the skills of a carefully-selected group of young drivers in preparation to drive in Formula 1.
The Sauber Junior Team initiative brings a unique approach, giving young drivers the ability to enter international motorsport by providing a clear pathway to potentially progress from the FIA's entry-level single-seater category to Formula 1 with a single team.
Correa will drive with the Sauber Junior Team in the 2019 FIA Formula 2 Championship. The 19-year-old, who graduated from the GP3 Series, impressed the Charouz Racing System team when he drove one of its F2 cars during the championship’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi last November. He set the fastest overall lap time of the day on the Yas Marina circuit. Correa says, " This season is an incredible opportunity for my career not only because of the high-quality team that is Charouz Racing System, but also because it opens up a clear potential door to F1 through the Sauber Junior Team. A programme like this is what many drivers dream of and I am very honoured to have been selected to be a part of it. I am confident that with the added contributions and knowledge from Sauber, I will be able to continue enhancing myself as a driver and have a successful rookie campaign.".
Bob Vavrik, Charouz Racing System Managing Director has said of Juan Manuel, "JM proved he has lots of natural talent when he joined us to take part in his first F2 test at the end of last season in Abu Dhabi. Despite having zero experience in the car, he was the fastest driver during the whole day. He's an exciting talent and one that we feel will benefit from the support the Sauber Junior Team offers. We're looking forward to seeing what he can achieve in F2 this season.".
“The Sauber Junior Team is heading into he 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,” added Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal Alfa Romeo Racing and CEO Sauber Motorsport AG.
It looks like Formula 1 is trending to be a contender to watch for hottest Extreme and Adventure Sports in 2019 and with Correa in the Driver's seat, we plan to watch!
