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Williams F1 test and reserve driver Jack Aitken to contest S5000
ROKiT Williams Racing F1 test and reserve driver Jack Aitken has confirmed that he will join a crack field of Australian and international talent in the S5000 field at Albert Park next week.
The 24 year-old Anglo-Korean driver will drive a brand-new S5000 car under the Team BRM banner in a field that is expected to peak at 16 cars.
After claiming the runner-up position in the 2017 GP3 Series, Aitken finished fifth in the FIA Formula 2 Championship last year, driving for Campos Racing. His season included wins at two of the most prestigious venues – the British and Italian Grands Prix.
This year, Aiken will take on his second season in Formula 2, again driving for Campos Racing. He heads to Melbourne almost directly from just-concluded F2 testing in Bahrain.
His participation comes following a casual chat between S5000’s category manager Chris Lambden and former Williams team manager and these days international F1 media identity Peter Windsor, a supporter of the young star and an S5000 fan following a recent visit to Melbourne. When it became clear that Aitken was keen to sample the “Aussie car with a V8 in the back”, arrangements came together quickly.
Aitken is the fifth international star joining the grid for the opening round of the 2020 Australian S5000 Championship, where drivers will be competing for the inaugural S5000 Alan Jones Cup.
Aitken will be competing against the likes of former Grand Prix winners Rubens Barrichello, Giancarlo Fisichella, Indy 500 racer James Davison, reigning Bathurst 1000 winner Alex Premat as well as a host of Australian and New Zealand stars.
The S5000 races are part of the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, to be held at Albert Park next week.
QUOTES
Jack Aitken
ROKiT Williams Racing test/reserve driver
“I love all forms of cars and racing so I’m really looking forward to experiencing S5000 with its V8 power on such a fantastic track in Australia.
“There’s a great selection of drivers on the grid, including some F1 legends, so I’m sure it’s going to be a really memorable occasion.
“Many thanks to Team BRM and everyone who made it possible.”
Chris Lambden
ARG S5000 Category Manager
“The fact that a current Formula 2 front-runner and F1 test driver expressed the desire to jump into an S5000 car and take on all-comers is a huge boost for S5000,” said Lambden.
“Given Jack’s programme for 2020 and his commitments with Williams while he’s here, it required the permission of both Williams F1 and the FIA for him to compete, so we’re particularly grateful for their support.
“Jack’s presence on the grid will certainly give the young Australian contenders something to measure themselves against.”