The Austrian Grand Prix is undoubtedly the highlight of the racing calendar at the Red Bull Ring. But two weeks before the Formula 1 stars (including ADAC Formula 4 patron Sebastian Vettel) grace the historic circuit at Spielberg with their presence, the undergraduates of the ADAC High Speed Academy will be serving up the perfect appetiser. The new ADAC Formula 4 series arrives at the Red Bull Ring for its second event of the 2015 season on the weekend of 5th to 7th June. Free-to-air TV channel SPORT1 will be showing all three races staged on this rollercoaster circuit.

A Formula 1 connection in ADAC Formula 4: Mick Schumacher (16, Gland/CHE, Van Amersfoort Racing) will be making his second competitive outing at the Red Bull Ring. The son of former F1 world champion Michael Schumacher won one of the three races on his formula racing debut at Oschersleben and is fifth in the overall championship classification on 27 points. The current leader in the title chase is Marvin Dienst (18, GER, HTP Juniorteam) on 58 points ahead of Ralf Aron (17, EST, Prema Powerteam), Joey Mawson (19, AUS, Van Amersfoort Racing) and Mattia Drudi (16, ITA, SMG Swiss Motorsport Group).

In the rookie standings, however, Schumacher has a clear lead on 65 points. His closest pursuer is Jonathan Cecotto (15, VEN, Motopark), whose father Johnny is an ex-Formula 1 and DTM driver as well as former winner of the World Motorcycle Championship. The Motopark youngster currently occupies second place in the F4 newcomers´ standings on 48 points.

Local hero Preining chasing Schumacher and Cecotto

Hot on the heels of Schumacher and Cecotto is Thomas Preining (16, AUT, kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport). The Austrian is third in the Rookie Championship on 36 points, having secured a Top Three finish on his single-seater racing debut at Oschersleben: "The Red Bull Ring is a really cool track and I am looking forward it. Even though it´s my home race, I don´t feel under extra pressure. In fact, it gives me an extra dose of motivation to attack. Perhaps I´ll come away with another podium finish."

Preining will need to be on top form against a strong field of just under 40 opponents, foremost among them being Marvin Dienst. The 18-year-old celebrated a double victory in Oschersleben and has good reason to feel confident about his prospects. "I´ve raced at the Red Bull Ring before and hope that I can exploit this advantage," says the HTP Junior Team driver. "The track is very challenging and calls for an aggressive approach."

Home race for Neuhauser Racing and Lechner Racing

Fully conversant with the characteristics of the 4,326-metre circuit are Neuhauser Racing. For the team from Zell am Ziller, this is the highlight of their year. Neuhauser Racing´s Tim Zimmermann (18, GER, Neuhauser Racing): "In last year´s ADAC Formula Masters, we were very strong here and laid the foundation for our ultimate victory in the team championship. Our pace is good, and the fact that it is our home race provides added motivation."

The same also goes for the talented youngsters of Lechner Racing, another well-established team contesting its home race. Local favourite Florian Janits (17, AUT, Lechner Racing) drives one of the two Formula 4 racing cars entered by the Salzburg-based outfit. "There is something special about competing in front of your home crowd," says Janits. "I´m sure that a lot of my friends and sponsorship partners will be cheering from the stands, and in any case, the atmosphere at the Red Bull Ring is always fabulous."

SPORT1 showing all three races on free-to-air TV

Fans have the opportunity to watch live coverage of all three ADAC Formula 4 races. Exclusive TV partner SPORT1 broadcasts the first race on Saturday 6th June starting at 14:40 CEST. Races 2 and 3 on Sunday (11:55 and 17:00) will be shown on the same channel. The races can also be watched on SPORT1+. All 24 races of the ADAC Formula 4 season are streamed live on www.SPORT1.de and adac.de/motorsport.