Bustamante to drive for Hitech Grand Prix as she returns to competition at Circuit Zandvoort
Zandvoort's challenging track layout will put the test to the Filipina rising star
The McLaren Development Driver’s participation will help her prepare for the upcoming F1 Academy's fourth round in August
19-year-old racing driver Bianca Bustamante is set to compete in the sixth round of the ROKiT F4 British Championship at Circuit Zandvoort in Netherlands from the 13th to 14th of July. The teen McLaren Development Driver will be racing in the highly competitive series for the first time in her career with British team, Hitech Grand Prix, who for almost a decade, have been participating in the junior divisions of motorsport and currently sit as the championship leaders. This year, the F4 British Championship is expanding its horizons by including Circuit Zandvoort in its schedule, marking its first venture beyond the borders of the United Kingdom.
Though Bustamante raced on the very same track last year, her inaugural F4 British Championship race presents a great opportunity for her to build experience and gain valuable track time in preparation for the upcoming fourth round of the F1 Academy at Circuit Zandvoort. She will be driving a car that she is familiar with, the Tatuus F4-T-421, but the competition promises to be intense and fierce, with talented male and female international racers on its roster. Throughout the weekend, the Filipina will be participating in several practice sessions, one qualifying session and a total of three sprint races.
Situated near the North Sea coast, Circuit Zandvoort is a historic track which spans 4.259 kilometers (2.646 miles) and features a total of 14 turns. Zandvoort is renowned for its demanding and narrow layout, adding an exhilarating challenge to overtaking opportunities. The circuit boasts a thrilling mix of high-speed stretches and tight, technical corners, with limited room for error due to minimal runoff areas and strategically placed obstacles along the racing line. One standout section is the captivating sequence of S-bends from turns 11 to 14, which will truly test not only Bustamante’s skill but also the balance of her car.
In 2015, current McLaren Formula One driver Lando Norris achieved victory in the ROKiT F4 British Championship, previously known as MSA Formula. With Bustamante being one of McLaren's Development Drivers, her participation will be an incredible opportunity for her personal growth and learning as she prepares for the upcoming round of F1 Academy. This opportunity has been made possible through Bustamante’s longtime sponsor Lance East Exotics, and with the support of McLaren Driver Development and CBR Media. Fans can tune in to the race through the Official British F4 YouTube channel.
Bianca Bustamante
Race Driver, #6 Hitech Grand Prix
“I’m looking forward to racing in the ROKiT F4 British Championship for the first time! Though I raced at Circuit Zandvoort last year, it will be my first time in the championship where the level of competition is intense and will have some of the best male and female driver’s from around the globe. As always, qualifying will be a key component to a successful race weekend so I will work hard in the practice sessions to get acquainted with both my team and the car. Big thank you to my team Hitech Grand Prix for their guidance, as well as to McLaren for all their support!“
