Carlin have confirmed Indian rising star Dion Gowda as the first driver in their line-up to take on the 2023 ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA season.
Despite being just 14 years of age, Gowda makes the graduation to Britain’s FIA Formula 4 series with an impressive karting CV, having previously competed across Asia before moving to the UK to pursue his single-seater dream on a globally renowned stage.
Gowda has already begun a comprehensive pre-season induction with the Farnham-based team, including simulator work at their state-of-the-art HQ, with a winter testing programme ahead to help him acclimatize to the Tatuus T-421, second-generation F4 car used in the series.
“I’m hugely exited to join Carlin for my F4 racing debut,” says Gowda. “Carlin is one of the most successful racing teams in the world, so of course I was thrilled to confirm my place with them in ROKiT British F4.
“I have built a great relationship with the team already and preparations for 2023 are well underway. There will be a lot to learn in my first season stepping up from karting but I’m confident we will be competitive, and I can’t wait to go racing.”
The announcement comes just a day after Carlin wrapped up both the Rookie title with Ugo Ugochukwu, and a fifth Teams’ title at the Brands Hatch season finale.
“Dion is a very promising young driver with exactly the right attitude,” adds Racing Director, Trevor Carlin.
“He’s keen to learn as much as possible at every test and has a fantastic approach both inside and outside the car. For every rookie there is a lot to learn in the first season of single seaters but we’ve no doubt that Dion will adapt well to that challenge and be a great asset to the team.”
2023 marks an exciting next chapter for ROKiT British F4 with a grid formed of Europe’s leading single-seater teams and the brightest talents from around the world. Another action-packed 30-race season will be played out live on ITV4 as part of the British Touring Car Championship support package.
The rest of Carlin’s line-up will be confirmed at a later date.
