16-year-old Ethan Ong is making big strides in 2024. Following his Formula V1 Challenge debut earlier this year, he has now taken his first real step into the world of single-seaters by participating in a proper Formula 4 test at the Sepang International Circuit.
The Filipino talent recently spent a total of 3 days in Malaysia with Eurasia Motorsport. Headed by Team Principal Mark Goddard, this is the same group that took the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, Antonio Giovinazzi, and even local driver Daniel Miranda up the motorsport ladder. Also present to guide him on site was Edgesport Racing Founder and Coach Edgen Dy-Liacco.
Day 1 was mostly spent creating a proper seat fitting for Ethan in a modern Tatuus F4-T421 car. Once set, he was then able to go out on his first exploratory drive around the unfamiliar 5.543 km Formula 1 track. He gradually built up his speed as sessions progressed, regularly reviewing data and taking pointers in between.
“It was very different to the other cars I’ve driven in the past. It was lighter, faster, and more rewarding. But what really struck me the most was how physically demanding it was,” he shared.
Ethan went out on 4 separate sessions per day of testing, completing an estimate of 150 laps over the entire program. Although he was left very sore after the final day on track, his extensive physical training back home proved to be helpful. The team also quipped that some rookies don’t make it past 2 sessions, let alone 4.
The Formula 4 test is meant to help Ethan prepare for a possible race debut. His dream is to compete in a full season in a series in due time.
Mark Goddard, Eurasia Motorsport Team Principal: “Ethan really impressed the team. He met the target lap times we set and he did not put a foot wrong despite the second day having changeable conditions. I am confident he has a great racing career ahead. Hopefully he is the first of many Filipino Formula car drivers.”
Ethan Ong is sponsored by Auto Vault Speed Shop the distributor of Modesta Premium Glass Coatings, Autozkin Paint Protection, Repsol Philippines, Powel Chemicals, Fremuff, Tagaytay Viewpark Hotel, Siglo Modern Filipino, JRJ Windows and Doors, Pierre’s Reserve, and Spaghetti Factory.
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