Formula ADAC Masters Team Signs Stanaway

The agreement provides Richie with a long term contract starting with a fully funded 2010 season in the Formula ADAC Masters Championship with the Volkswagen Factory assisted Ma-Con Motorsport Team. Subject to Richie's mid-season results, he will also be given testing in Formula 3 which is likely to result in him being offered the highly sought after Volkswagen Sponsorship in the German Formula 3 series.

Since winning the NZ Formula Ford Championship, Richie was been managed by a small group of shareholders who funded him to testing and the final 6 races in the German ADAC Masters Championship. Last week Richie Stanaway Motorsport Ltd released Richie from his New Zealand management contract so that he was free to enter into a new agreement with RRT that had been negotiated for him by Maurice O'Reilly. The contract and most of the European management team is identical to the one used for drivers such as Alonso, Kovalainen, Webber and Trulli. RRT Holdings have the influence and resources to manage Richie to the very highest levels of motorsport.

 

The ADAC series has emerged as the premier European entry level class with a number of well performing drivers already moving into higher classes. Richie Stanaway Motorsport Ltd's director Maurice O'Reilly says, "My research in Europe and each the respected commentators I spoke to there all recommended the ADAC Masters series. The Dallara chassis powered by 1.6lt Volkswagen engines are superb cars that place emphasis on driver skill rather than team engineering input. This class quickly exposes the talent. Volkswagen have a significant input and, as the worlds largest automotive company they have growing influence in European motorsport. My contacts at Volkswagen Motorsport assured me that the ADAC Masters class was the quickest route to F1 for Richie".

Ma-Con Motorsport is a successful team with experience in many classes. Ma-Con is owned by ex-racer and very successful businessman Marion Hamprecht. It's 2008 driver was Denmark’s Marco Sørensen. During 2009 Ma-Con provided front running cars for a variety of 'testing' drivers including Richie. Herr Hamprecht and RRT Holdings secured the VW sponsorship on the basis that they are confident Richie has every chance of winning the 2010 championship. Maurice O'Reilly says, "It is important young drivers enter the European scene at the correct level. Aiming too high will simply destroy their career whereas a Championship win in a recognised class will virtually guarantee upward progress. This team, in this class, is perfect for Richie to continue impressing those who are watching for emerging talent. It's a 'dream' deal and arguably the best ever secured by a young New Zealand driver. It's now all up to Richie".

Source: www.nzracer.com