CHAVES SELECTED FOR FIA INSTITUTE YOUNG DRIVER EXCELLENCE ACADEMY

11/22/2011

Junior formula car standout will be part of prestigious driver development program in 2012 MIAMI, FLA (November 22, 2011) – Rising motorsports star Gabby Chaves has earned a place in the 2012 FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy, following an impressive performance during the selection event at the Wachau Ring in Melk, Austria. The teenager, who has captured two junior formula car titles in the past three years, will now receive training and support this coming season via the prestigious driver development program. Chaves entered the second-ever FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy selection event as one of several racers with a proven track record. Building on a successful rookie season in the GP3 series - where he competed against many of the best young racers in the world - as well as the 2010 Italian Formula 3 Championship Rookie of the Year award and the 2009 Formula BMW Americas title, the 18 year-old promptly showcased his talents behind the wheel and outside of the cockpit in Austria. At the conclusion of four days of evaluation led by former Formula One driver and two-time Le Mans winner Alex Wurz and former World Rally Champion co-driver Robert Reid - which included exercises covering fitness, media techniques, teamwork, and psychology - the Comcel-backed racer was selected to be part of the 2012 FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy. "It is fantastic to be part of the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy," commented Chaves. "I'm greatly looking forward to learning as much as I can from everyone involved with the academy. This is another important step in my ultimate goal of racing in Formula One, and I can't wait for the first academy workshop and the start of the 2012 race season." "We are delighted to be able to help develop that talent further, and in the right way, with the focus not just on performance, but also on safety and excellence," stated Richard Woods, Director General of the FIA Institute. "I'm really looking forward to working with the chosen Academy drivers over the next year." "Overall, these guys have demonstrated a lot of talent," added Wurz. "They are also very coachable and they have a good understanding of what we are after. I'm really looking forward to a good cooperation with the new Academy drivers." As one of 18 young up-and-coming racers selected to take part in the 2012 edition of the FIA-backed driver development academy, Chaves will now be coached 'in the car' by Wurz and his team from Test and Training International, and 'out of the car' by Reid and his team from Elite Sports Performance. He will attend a series of workshops covering all aspects of driver performance and safety. The driving elements of the course include the development of technical skills, safety training, attitudes and awareness. The human performance aspect will feature physiology, psychology, nutrition, media skills and career management. The first FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy workshop will take place from December 10-14, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Chaves is currently working on his 2012 race program, talking with teams and trying to secure proper funding for either a return to the GP3 Series or a move to the Auto GP Championship. Those interested in supporting Chaves' charge towards a career in Formula One are encouraged to contact Chaves and/or his management team. Source:ProMedia Motorsports PR

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