Red Bull Rookies shaping up for 2011
The Red Bull Rookies team, which started off as a platform to seek and nurture female racing talents, has now expanded its reach, with Singapore and Brunei in its radar and participation open to male drivers as well. Every year, the programme puts its four participants through a rigourous training programme before sending them to compete at the Sepang 1,000km Endurance Race.
As before, slots for four drivers are open for this year’s team. For Malaysian drivers, entry is via the RB21 Driver Search programme, open to all Malaysians aged 16 to 21. First phase of the search, which lasted from 1 October to 30 November 2010, attracted 1,000 applications though only 6 made the final cut having been evaluated on their basic driving and technical knowledge, teamwork capabilities, and fitness levels.
“We are searching for talents with steely determination, enduring physicality, strength of mind, and dynamic personality to be part of our multinational team. Those selected will take on the considerable responsibility of working towards, and sharing, the aspirations of their homeland,” said Kenvin Low, Red Bull Rookies Team Manager.
The Top 6 Malaysian drivers were gathered at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday for their final assessment, and at the end of session, 17-year-old student, Siti Shahkirah Binti Shaharul and 21 year old Mark Darwin, an engineering student, were announced as the new Red Bull Rookies for Malaysia.
“I am extremely happy to know I have been selected as one of the Red Bull Rookies. The programme has successfully established female racers such as Puteri Ayu Jasmin and Carmen Lim in previous years. I really hope I can do well in this race and be like them,” said Siti Shahkirah.
“This is certainly a pleasant surprise to me, as all of the top 6 candidates for RB21 are very good drivers. I look forward to start my trainings in preparation of the upcoming race,” added Mark Darwin.
The remaining two slots will be given to one Singaporean and one Bruneian each. As of now, two Bruneians and six Singaporeans remain in the running, and the final driver from each of these two countries will be announced after a team building session which will take place in Lumut from 17 to 20 March 2011. The shortlisted Rookies will go through a rigourous fitness and endurance programme and trainings to assess their mental and physical strength, before the commencement of a full-fledged training.
“The next coming months will be fascinating for all involved. Applicants will need to demonstrate decisive physical and mental attributes and we need to know if they have what it takes to be a racer. Hopefully the series of tests we have planned will clearly identify the best, the strongest and those that will fit seamlessly into the team,” said Kenvin.
Also present at the track day was Carmen Lim, senior Rookie who led the team to finish an eleventh place finish at last year’s S1K Race. Recounting her time with the Rookies, Carmen said, “I’m thankful to Red Bull as they have provided me the platform and opportunity to compete and represent the team in one of the most anticipated international races alongside professional racers. Even though I will not be racing this year as a Red Bull Rookie, I’m looking forward to personally share my knowledge and experiences with the team.”
Pictures: Official Red Bull Rookies release.
