First Round of the F4 NEZ Championship Starts Today

The F4 NEZ Championship certified by FIA has been in residence in the FORMULA 1 RUSSIAN GRAND PRIX support paddock since Tuesday. Once the set-up day was done, it was the drivers’ turn to get to work, with a full schedule starting on Thursday aftermoon.

The drivers were invited by Daniil Kvyat, Red Bull Racing F1 Driver for a meet and greet. It was an incredible moment for the Russian drivers especially and they enjoyed Kvyat’s explanation of his routine and steering wheel, on top of taking memorable pictures with the former Koiranen GP driver.

The Dutch drivers had the chance to meet their local hero Max Verstappen for a chat in the paddock and a garage tour.

Then, the group went on a visit to the Renault Sport Formula One Team garage, led by Sergey Sirotkin, the SMP Racing driver who’ll be participating in today’s practice as the young Russian was appointed test driver for the Renault Sport Formula One Team. A complete visit of the garage and lots of explanations were given to the young crowd.

The day continued with a Safety class, which started with an exam on the different flags, lights and procedure, given by our Race Director Abdulaziz Al-Thawadi, and ended with the 5.85km track walk.

“It was an amazing day, and I am grateful for the SMP F4 NEZ to have organized theses events for us. F1 is our common dream and to be able to see what is happening behind the scene was a unique moment. We have been on a pitlane as spectators yesterday and today the real work start as when we will be then later, it will be to compete, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who can’t wait”, commented Vladimir Tziortzis.

In just a few hours the F4 NEZ Championship will hit the Russian track for some action, starting with the thirty minute Free Practice session!