MP Motorsport and RPPL sign multi-year Indian F4 partner deal
Title-winning single-seater team MP Motorsport has signed a multi-year deal to become the exclusive Technical Partner for the FIA-certified Indian F4 Championship (F4IC). Promoted and organised by Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), the new Indian series will use halo-equipped second-generation Mygale F4 cars all run by the Dutch team.
MP Motorsport is among the most successful European single-seater teams, having recently lifted both the driver and teams’ crowns in FIA Formula 2 as the finest title achievement in their 28-year history. As a prime accelerator of driving talent, the Dutch-based team also runs race-winning outfits in FIA Formula 3, the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, Eurocup-3, the all-female FIA F1 Academy, and Spanish and United Arab Emirates F4, supporting young drivers all the way from their promotion from karts to the doorstep of Formula 1.
RPPL is best known for organising the Indian Racing League (IRL), the world’s only city-based motorsport franchise league, as well as the Karting Super Series, India’s nationwide search for the country’s next racing star. RPPL now launches its new FIA-certified Indian F4 Championship in a multi-year association that will see MP operate as the exclusive team for F4IC.
MP will run the halo-equipped second-generation Mygale F4 car that has been successfully used in the French F4 championship since 2022, with F4IC becoming the second FIA approved F4 championship and the first championship in Asia to use these cars. F4IC also becomes the first championship in Asia to use halo-equipped cars, keeping driver safety at the core of the championship.
“We are proud to be Asia’s first championship, offering the latest and safest F4 cars as certified by FIA. MP and RPPL share the same vision for Accelerating Talent and developing Indian motorsports in a sustainable manner providing equal opportunities and a competitive platform for drivers from around the world”, said Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman of RPPL. “India is witnessing a golden period in single-seater racing with more than half a dozen Indian drivers participating in global single-seater championships from FIA Formula 2 to Formula 4 championships. By bringing FIA Formula 4 to India, we will further promote local talent not only from India but also the wider Asia and Southeast Asia region.”
“MP is no stranger to Indian motorsport or Indian drivers”, said Sander Dorsman, team principal at MP. “Our partnership in this year’s Formula Regional Middle East Championship with Hyderabad Blackbirds proved to be a success, and we have recently worked with some of India’s most promising drivers, like currently with Jehan Daruvala in FIA Formula 2. Our expertise and experience of participating in championships around the world and some of the best technical personnel outside of Formula 1 gives us an advantage in delivering RPPL’s vision of a sustainable yet affordable motorsport eco-system in India. We are excited to be part of this journey of delivering a world-class championship to RPPL and their partners and sponsors. I would like to thank Akhilesh Reddy for placing his continued trust in our team.”
F4IC is operated as an academy-style championship, with one team operating the entire grid of 12 cars (2023). The championship allows the participating drivers to enjoy the same level of support and opportunities for progression. The championship is open for drivers from around the world and will provide a great opportunity for Indian drivers to compete on equal footing with international drivers.
The championship is made up of five rounds, with each round having three races, one qualifying and one thirty-minute practice session included in the participation cost. The championship will race at the Madras International Circuit, the Buddh International Circuit and possibly one street track which will be announced in due course. The five rounds will be run from late October to mid-December 2023. A confirmed calendar is to be announced before the 30th of July.
The championship is eligible for FIA Super License points. F4IC will operate as a support championship for IRL. The overall winner of the championship will be offered a full scholarship to participate in the 2024 Indian Formula Regional championship.