Virtuosi Racing are pleased to announce that Aqil Alibhai will complete the team’s roster for the 2023 FIA British Formula 4 season.
The 16-year-old South African driver is Virtuosi’s third and final signing for 2023, joining Douwe Dedecker and Kai Daryanani. Virtuosi Racing will run three cars for the first time in 2023, having competed with two cars in their debut F4 season in 2022. The decision followed a solid first campaign in the series, with Virtuosi looking to increase their competitiveness at the junior level and take on a new challenge.
Alibhai will make the step up to single seaters full-time on the back of an impressive karting career, in which he won the 2019 Rotax African Open Championship.
In addition to his karting achievements, Alibhai has also competed in the Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship since 2021. He finished sixth in 2022 with five podiums, one pole position and a fastest lap. Following this success, he made his single seater debut in the 2022 GB4 Championship season finale.
Virtuosi’s F4 team boss Mark Salmon said on the signing:
"We are proud to welcome Aqil into the Virtuosi team for the 2023 British F4 Championship. He had a good season in Ginetta Juniors last year and we aim to provide him with the support and experience he needs to continue that positive trajectory as he takes on his first full season in single seaters. We’re already prepping for the championship ahead and testing has been going great so we're looking forward to it."
Aqil Alibhai:
"I’m proud to confirm my 2023 ROKiT British F4 certified by FIA programme with Virtuosi. Testing with the team has been seamless and I felt comfortable right away. I can’t wait to see the South African flag represented in such a prestigious championship. Bring on the first round!"
With a complete line-up of Douwe Dedecker, Kai Daryanani and Aqil Alibhai, Virtuosi Racing are ready to take on the 2023 FIA British Formula 4 season.
Testing has already begun for the trio and they will return to the track with Virtuosi at Donington Park in Leicestershire today, March 9th.
Round 1 of the British F4 Championship will see the team return to Donington Park on April 22-23. Nine rounds of the 10-round season will run in support of the British Touring Car Championship and receive live ITV coverage.