New Ferrari Driver Academy member Aurelia Nobels has signed with Prema to race in Italian Formula 4 this year.
Nobels was the winner of the third edition of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission’s FDA-affiliated Girls on Track Rising Stars programme in 2022, earning her a spot in Ferrari’s line-up of Formula 1 junior.
Part of the prize of winning the Rising Stars programme was a paid-for drive in Italian F4 with Prema’s sister team Iron Lynx (whose cars are co-run by Prema in F4), but she will instead race for the more established single-seater outfit.
“I am very happy to join Prema in 2023 to compete in the Italian F4 championship, one of the most competitive single-seater series in the world,” said Nobels.
“It will not be easy, but I am excited to take on this challenge, work hard and improve my skills. I know that working with such a professional team as Prema, and being part of the FDA, is a big responsibility, and will be important for my growth as a driver.
“I cannot wait to meet everybody in the team and start working together and I want to thank the team and Iron Dames for having helped me to reach such a big step in my career. My thanks also go to the FIA and its Women in Motorsport Commission, whose Girls on Track Rising Stars programme made this dream possible.”
The 16-year-old Brazilian started her single-seater career last year, primarily competing in her home country’s new F4 championship where she finished 16th in the standings. She also made one appearance in Spanish F4 and one in Danish F4, where she had a best finish of seventh.
“Aurelia showed excellent promise and we are happy to have her within our ranks,” Prema team principal Angelo Rosin said.
“She accomplished a lot and her talent didn’t go unnoticed. We are delighted to work with her, and to collaborate with FDA and Iron Dames to help her achieve her full potential with a high-profile programme.”