Prema has signed karter Chloe Chong for the new Formula 4-spec F1 Academy series.
The 15-year-old British-Canadian-Chinese racer was one of the finalists in the Senior group of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission’s Ferrari Driver Academy-affiliated Girls on Track Rising Stars programme last year, and also participated in F4 tests with R-ace GP and JHR Developments.
Chong made her debut in senior karting in 2021, but spent last year primarily on X30 Junior karts. She came 32nd in the British championship and 36th in the Little Green Man series, and also competed in other club series in England.
“This will be my first year in cars and it’s a dream come true to have been given the opportunity to make my debut with such a renowned team as Prema,” said Chong.
“I look forward to working with them, both in and out of the car to form some solid foundations and results in F1 Academy.”
Prema team principal Rene Rosin added: “We always relish the chance to welcome new drivers from karting and having Chloe on board for her auto racing debut in our new F1 Academy team is particularly exciting.
“She has been impressive so far and she demonstrated it through the FIA GoT RS selections and the FDA Scouting Camp. We think we spotted some great potential in terms of driving and mentality, and knowing that she has so much road ahead makes us confident about our future together.”
Chong is Prema’s second signing for the new series, alongside Bianca Bustamante.