From dressage rider to racer, from actual horsepower to 160bhp: the route that Lucas Alecco Roy (21) has followed to ADAC Formula 4 is extraordinary by any standards. While the vast majority of talented youngsters start early in karting, Roy is very much a latecomer to the sport, having gone straight into the British Formula 4 series in 2017. This year, he will be competing in ADAC Formula 4 as a member of the Dutch Van Amersfoort Racing squad. The fourth season of the ADAC High-Speed Academy gets underway on the weekend of 13th 15th April at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. SPORT1 will be providing TV coverage of the races.

"I've been involved in motorsport for over 20 years now, but I don't remember anyone taking such an unusual route into the profession before," said VAR team manager Jeroen de Jong. "We'll be using all of our experience to ease Lucas into the series. He has raised his game significantly in the course of the tests, and he is full of passion and ambition. He wants to learn and improve."

Roy, who registered some decent results in the British Formula 4 as a rookie last year, is looking forward to the new challenge. "The ADAC Formula 4 will be an exciting step in my career," he said. "I am very happy to be driving for Van Amersfoort Racing."