Four of the ten young drivers selected by the Motor Sports Association (MSA), to form the national squad under the new designation of Team UK, come for the British Rally Championship.

The four rally drivers selected to join the MSA’s driver development scheme in 2010 are:

Martin McCormack (Draperstown)
Alastair Fisher (Co Tyrone)
Dave Weston Jr (Aberdeen)
Adam Gould (Bristol)

Team UK represents the pinnacle of the MSA Academy structure, created last year under the direction of MSA Performance Director Robert Reid, to guide young drivers from eight years old through to world championship level. The new Team UK designation reflects the creation of a national squad of the country’s most promising drivers and builds on the experience gained from the previous Elite schemes in Rally and Race over the past five and three years respectively.

Team UK will be operated by Brabham Performance Clinic with race and rally coaches providing specific expertise to supplement the common learning shared across all disciplines. Racing legend and 2009 Le Mans champion David Brabham will fulfil the role of National Race Coach alongside the highly experienced and three-time British Rally Champion Mark Higgins as National Rally Coach.

The content of the programme has been developed in recognition of the more focused membership, enabling a greater emphasis to be placed on driver coaching and in-car performance within the scheme. Individual fitness programmes and dietary consultations will ensure that the drivers are in the best physical shape, while the application of advanced sports psychology will equip them mentally to perform at the highest level.

Exclusive visits to teams from F1 and WRC as well as to leading component suppliers will provide invaluable insight into the demands and requirements made of top drivers and the squad will enjoy access to some of the most sophisticated simulation equipment in the world. And thanks to support from the FIA Institute’s Motor Sport Safety Fund, Team UK members will also benefit from advanced training in both road and on-track safety skills.

“It’s going to be a fabulous programme,” says David Brabham. “The MSA is offering an amazing opportunity for a very select number of drivers to join a national squad that will really help them to make huge strides in their careers. By becoming more targeted, we are looking forward to working more closely with drivers on their in-car performance, as well as developing those all-round skills needed for a successful career at the top end of world motor sport.”

The ten chosen athletes have been individually selected by those responsible for delivering the programme and represent the most promising young drivers in the country. Rally co-drivers are no longer selected to the scheme on their own merit, but are invited to participate alongside their designated driver to help develop that all-important partnership.

“We have selected ten of the most promising young British drivers to join Team UK for 2010,” says Robert Reid, MSA Performance Director and 2001 World Rally Champion co-driver. “Every member of the squad is fully committed to the programme and understands just what a fantastic opportunity this is – that is vital to its success. We are delighted with the line-up and look forward to working with them to make real progress with their careers.”

ENDS


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Press contact: Simon Moss
m: +44 (0) 7968 585534
e: simonmoss@rallybrc.co.uk
Further information on the MSA British Rally Championship can be found at www.rallybrc.co.uk

Martin would also like to take this opportunity to thank, Outdoor Services, Millers Oils, Carella, Ace Fixings, PPP Salvage Auctions, TFR Refrigeration and all the other people who contribute in any way.

Regular updates on Marty's progress throughout the year can be obtained at www.martymccormack.com