ADAC Formula 4 is about to embark on its second campaign. After the successful debut season last year, the junior formula series will have another strong line-up in 2016. No fewer than 16 teams are entering 46 drivers for the 24 races to be staged at eight different venues in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. Three newcomers will be joining the line-up of established teams in what is already a high-calibre international starter field. The 2016 season opens at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben on the weekend of 15th 17th April. TV channels SPORT1 and SPORT1+ will be showing the races from the ADAC High-Speed Academy live. Profiles of the ADAC Formula 4 teams: Part 3.
SMC SCHWÄRZLER MOTORSPORT CONCEPTS
From 2011 to 2015, the family-run business, Schwärzler Motorsport Concepts looked after the technical side of the AsiaCups which are contested in Malaysia. However, the company had been active in motor racing prior to 2011. The foundations were laid with the technical support of Formula Lista, Formula LO and through participation in various GT series. Father Georg and sons Tobias and Benjamin are now concentrating their years of experience and know-how mainly on the ADAC Formula 4. "We are newcomers, who intend to get established in the ADAC Formula 4 as quickly as possible," said team principal Tobias Schwärzler. "We laid the basis last year in the season finale at the Hockenheimring with our guest driver Luis Leeds. We aim to build on that this season." Leeds was signed as a Red Bull Junior after his Formula 4 race for SMC Schwärzler Motorsport Concepts. SMC Schwärzler Motorsport Concepts fielded current Formula 4 entrant Michael Waldherr in the AsiaCup in 2014.
TEAM PIRO SPORT INTERDENTAL
Piro Sports have been represented on race tracks in Germany and Europe since 1998, becoming well established in various one-make cups. Cutting their teeth in the Ford Puma Cup, the Saarland-based team has also fielded racing cars in the Alfa 147 Cup and in the Mini Challenge. Led by team boss Erwin Piro, the team also made its first appearance in Formula Renault in 2014. Entry into the ADAC Formula 4 followed in 2015. "The profile of the ADAC Formula 4 is very high. It's almost like a mini world championship for drivers from many different countries," said Piro, who had a successful career as a racing driver in Formula Super V. "We're looking forward to lots of marvellous races this season with as few safety car phases as possible."
TEAM TIMO SCHEIDER GmbH
Two-time DTM champion Timo Scheider built on his existing youth training concept by setting-up Team Scheider last year and joining the ADAC Formula 4. Scheider has supported and promoted young talents with his own karting team since 2010. Through Team Scheider, the DTM driver is offering young drivers a further opportunity to move up into professional motorsport. "The many foreign entrants give the series plenty of international flair, and it reaches a wide public thanks to live TV broadcasts," said Scheider.
US RACING
Team US Racing are the successors to last year's championship-winning team, HTP F4 Junior Team UNGAR. Together with ex-Formula 1 and DTM driver Ralf Schumacher, team boss Gerhard Ungar aims to continue the mission started last year, to give young talents the opportunity to enter the world of professional motor racing. Team US Racing's new headquarters are in Kerpen, from where outings in the ADAC Formula 4 are prepared and coordinated. "We had an exceptional season in 2015. I'm now looking forward to working with Ralf Schumacher," said Gerhard Ungar. "The ADAC Formula 4 is the best entry-level series for young drivers in professional motorsport. Interest in the second season is enormous once again. It's important that the series continues to develop at a high level."
VAN AMERSFOORT RACING
Passion. Dedication. Tradition. These three words perfectly sum up the ideals of Van Amersfoort Racing. Founded in 1975 by team principal Frits van Amersfoort in the Netherlands, the team is one of the best-established, most successful motor racing teams and enjoys an excellent reputation for training young talents. Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen was part of the squad in 2008, and the team recently trained Max Verstappen, the youngest driver in the history of Formula 1. His father, Jos, used to race for Van Amersfoort Racing. More well-known names can be found on VAR's list of former trainees, ADAC GT Masters championship runner-up Jaap van Lagen, DTM driver Lucas Auer and ex-Formula 1 driver Giedo van der Garde. At last year's Formula 4 premiere, Mick Schumacher, the son of record-breaking world champion, entered his name in the list of winners during the very first race weekend in Oschersleben, driving a VAR racing car. Van Amersfoort Racing will again be in the ADAC Formula 4 line-up in 2016 with another strong, international team.
The second season of the ADAC Formula 4 will get under way on 15th April in the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. The ADAC high-speed academy will contest its races on six race weekends as part of the ADAC GT Masters and at the joint ADAC GT Masters/DTM race meeting at the Lausitzring and within the context of the TCR International Series in Oschersleben. TV Partners SPORT1 will broadcast the races live on free-to-air TV as well as online and on mobile devices.
The ADAC Formula 4 will again rely on the services of tried and trusted partners during the 2016 season. Formula 4 racing cars powered by Abarth turbocharged engines and running chassis from Italian manufacturer, Tatuus, will be utilised. Italian premium tyre manufacturer Pirelli, who are well-known from Formula 1, and wheel manufacturer Motec will supply the ADAC Formula 4. Suspension springs manufacturer Eibach and DEKRA, one of the world's leading bodies of experts, are partners to the series. Auto Zeitung newspaper will continue in its role as official media partner.