Top young talent secures FIA F4 test and a chance to be assessed by the Renault F1 Team Academy, following comprehensive curriculum supported by the FIA Sport Grant Programme

Lebanon fast-growth driver development strategy continues to gather momentum after the Automobile et Touring Club du Liban (ATCL) successfully completed Phase 3 of its young driver programme earlier this month.

The two-day programme, on 3-4 March, took place at two kart circuits in the country and was attended by no fewer than 36 young drivers, the highest number since the programme began in late 2016.

As with the previous two phases, a broad curriculum was delivered by a team of experts, comprising driving skills, nutrition, fitness, career management and media skills, all delivered by experts in each field.

The Programme was led by driver coach and Formula One commentator Khalil Beschir and performance coach Simon Fitchett.

The ages of participants ranged from 8 to mid-20s, divided into groups, and with an age-appropriate set of topics delivered to each.

The final results were based on 65% driving skills, 20% fitness and mental assessment and 15% media training, road safety awareness, coordination and reaction tests.

Following the final scoring, four drivers have been chosen to participate in further development which will take place in Europe in July 2018:

Category 16+ years: Georges Nader

Georges will travel to the UK for a Formula 4 test and development programme, with a chance to have an assessment with the Renault F1 Team Academy

Category 13-15 years old: Karl Saad

Category 10-12 years old: Georgie Zouein

Category: under 10 years old: Christopher Feghali

All three winners from the younger categories will take part in a driver development programme in Europe.

Since the programme was first launched, the Automobile et Touring Club du Liban (ATCL) rapid progression has seen them develop from one of the FIA Regional Training Providers for Official Training, to now become one of the FIA Regional Training Providers for Driver Training. This means that, for 2018, as well as executing their own young driver programme, they will also deliver tailored young driver programmes to other National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) in the region.

Fouad el Khazen - ATCL President

“We are very proud to see the number of entrants growing and it is rewarding to note that more than 20 drivers are below 13 years old. This shows that Lebanon has a bright future and that the FIA Young Drivers Training is a successful programme. It is just what we need in the region now.

“We are also very proud about the success as RTP for the young training programmes and we are looking forward to the next ones.”

Imad Lahoud – ATCL Board Member and Coordinator for Sports & Mobility (also FIA Deputy Vice President for the MENA Region and FIA Hill Climb Commission President)

“First of all I would like to thank FIA President Mr. Jean Todt and Mr. Graham Stoker for their confidence.

“I am very proud of the success of the drivers who participated and the RTP team of ATCL, who delivered a world class programme.

“Within two days we managed to fulfil lots of goals and I am happy that we also introduced a road safety section.

“We have four winners on this occasion and we will do everything we can to help them develop and improve their potential.”