Oliver Gray has been unveiled as part of Carlin’s line-up for the 2022 ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA and as a member of the Williams Racing Driver Academy.
The 16-year-old contested Britain’s FIA Formula 4 series last year, claiming a brace of victories at the high-speed Thruxton circuit and putting in consistent, front-running performances across the year to finish his rookie season in single seaters in seventh overall.
Now, with the benefit of some early-season experience in the UAE with the new-for-2022 Tatuus T-421, Gray returns to UK shores ready to put together a full title challenge in his sophomore season with the support of Trevor Carlin’s eponymous outfit, and one of Britain’s most iconic Formula 1 teams in Williams.
“I’m really excited to be embarking on my second year in the ROKiT F4 British Championship with Carlin,” said Gray.
“Winter testing has gone well so far, and the new car is amazing to drive. To come into the season with the support of Williams Racing is just a dream come true and I’m hugely thankful for their belief in me.
“I’ve got a great team around me, and the championship title is my only aim this season.”
Gray is the third Formula 1 Academy driver to be confirmed at the Farnham-based team in recent weeks, following the news that series graduate Zak O’Sullivan would embark on his first campaign in FIA Formula 3 with Williams backing, and the unveiling of McLaren’s Ugo Ugochukwu as Gray’s first team-mate.
Trevor Carlin believes the championship, complete with it’s new-for-2022 car, will provide the perfect platform for his rising stars to showcase their talents.
“We are so pleased to welcome Ollie to the Carlin team for an assault on the ROKiT F4 British Championship,” he said.
“The series is a fantastic proving ground for young drivers and the new car will really level the playing field for everyone. Ollie has done a great job in winter testing so far and we’re excited to see what he can achieve.
“We’re very proud to welcome another Williams Racing Academy Driver into the team. This is a great opportunity for Ollie to really grow and develop as a driver in these early stages of his career.”
Gray becomes the tenth confirmed driver on the grid for 2022, with seven of Europe’s leading single seater teams set to contest another 30-race, ten-event season at Donington Park on 23-24 April.
