ABU DHABI: Panikos Polykarpou of Cyprus beat 12 other drivers to win selection to the FIA Institute’s 2015 Young Driver Excellence Academy on Wednesday after regional trials at Yas Marina Circuit.
Polykarpou, 23, earned his place in the fully funded programme based on his overall display on track, in the classroom and in the gym. He now has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of previous academy graduates like World Rally Championship drivers Andreas Mikkelsen, Pontus Tidemand and Craig Breen, and Formula One reserves Alexander Rossi, Stoffel Vandoorne and Robin Frijns.
“I’m very happy to win, especially as I felt a lot of tension on the first day,” said Polykarpou, “I have learnt a lot this week and I’m very excited to be going through to the Academy because I will be among the best young drivers in the world and it can do a lot for me in my career.”
FIA vice president Mohammad Bin Sulayem congratulated Polykarpou on his success.
“The Academy will give Panikos a great opportunity to take his career to another level, and it’s up to him now how far he goes,” he said.
“We were proud to have been chosen by the FIA Institute to host this event for a second year running. It is a great tribute to the UAE’s status in motorsport and to the wonderful facilities here at Yas Marina.”
