The ADAC is busy laying the groundwork for the successful future of junior open-wheel racing in Germany with the newly created ADAC Formula 4. On the occasion of the closing race weekend of the 2014 Formel ADAC season at the Hockenheimring, the motoring organisation announced further details about its successor entry-level series due to be launched in 2015.

Italian premium tyre manufacturer Pirelli, well-known to the motor racing world from Formula 1, has been selected as official tyre supplier to the ADAC Formula 4 series with immediate effect. The ADAC intends to rely on the services of Motec, the same rim manufacturer as used previously in Formel ADAC. A multi-year partnership with Italian chassis manufacturer Tatuus was announced towards the end of August.

ADAC Sports President Hermann Tomczyk: "The introduction of the ADAC Formula 4 series is one of the most exciting projects in the history of the ADAC as a promoter of motorsport. Getting our new junior formula series up and running is only possible with the assistance of strong and experienced partners. I am very pleased that we were able to bring on board the premium tyre manufacturer Pirelli, a company which has many years of experience in the sport. With rim supplier Motec, we will be continuing an old partnership of many years' standing. We are already anticipating a pleasant and successful cooperation in the future."

The new ADAC Formula 4 is to be advertised nationally and will be open to young drivers from the age of 15 upwards. The entry fee for the entire season is 9,000 euros. Current participants in the Formel ADAC, as well as teams and applicants registering by 21st November 2014, will receive preferential rates.

The first ADAC Formula 4 season opens at the etropolis Motorsport Arena Oschersleben on the weekend of 17th - 19th April 2015. The grand finale is scheduled for the Hockenheimring (2nd - 4th October). The race calendar lists a total of eight events, including up to two races in neighbouring countries.

The structure of the ADAC Formula 4 race weekend is currently under discussion. As in the precursor Formel ADAC series, ADAC Formula 4 will stage three races per event, with the aim of offering young drivers as much competitive experience as possible. The proposed duration of each race will be 30 minutes. Qualifying is also to be half an hour in length. It is further envisaged that there will be two 30-minute free practice sessions.

"Germany has a long tradition in motorsport," says Lars Soutschka, ADAC Director Motorsport and Classic. "In ADAC Formula 4, we are providing a modern and appropriate platform for aspiring single-seater racers. Many teams have already expressed an interest in contesting the new ADAC Formula 4. I am sure that we will have a large and attractive field of entrants in the first season of our newly established junior formula series."

The ADAC junior formula racing programme has long been a first step on the ladder for the motorsports stars of the future. Formula 1 stars such as four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, Nico Hülkenberg, Nico Rosberg and Ralf Schumacher, together with some of the big names in the DTM, including Martin Tomczyk, Pascal Wehrlein and Timo Glock, earned their spurs in the ADAC junior formula series.