Honda to support karting driver Will Stevens

Honda announced on Friday that they have signed 16 year-old British karting star Will Stevens under a long-term driver support agreement. Stevens, who won the FIA-CIK KF2 European and Asia-Pacific Championships in 2007, will be supported by the Japanese team as he makes his way through motorsport’s junior ranks.

“I am extremely proud to be joining the Honda Racing F1 Team and this provides me with a great opportunity to progress my career towards my goal of reaching Formula One,” said Stevens. “I would like to thank everyone who has helped me so far in my career and especially Honda for their commitment and support of my future. I intend to do my very best to ensure that their belief in me is rewarded.”

Stevens is already firmly established as one of the world’s leading young kart racers. As well as winning the European and Asia-Pacific championships in 2007, the 16 year-old also clinched the International Open Masters KF2 title. He was the 2006 WSK Junior ICA Champion and the 2005 MSA British Junior Champion.

For the 2008 season, he is racing with the prestigious TonyKart Racing Team in the KF1 class, competing in all the major European races, along with participation in the WSK International Series and the World Cup in Japan.

Ron Meadows, Honda’s sporting director commented, “We are delighted to welcome Will to the Honda Racing F1 Team. Will has had a very promising career in karting to date and we very much look forward to assisting his advancement through the ranks of the junior formulae towards achieving his ultimate ambition to race in Formula One.

“Honda considers the development of emerging motorsport talent to be a key part of our strategy and our commitment to Formula One. We look forward to seeing how Will progresses with our support over the course of the next few years.”

On Friday Stevens visited the team’s UK headquarters in Brackley to tour the factory as well as meet team principal Ross Brawn and CEO Nick Fry.

11.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Honda    ▪ www.formula1.com