Bruckmühl/Woking (UK), December 2014: Junior racing driver Benjamin Mazatis (16) was awarded the „High Level of Driving Professionalism“ diploma as one of a total of 18 international drivers in the McLaren Junior Programme MPA-14 at the McLaren Performance Academy in Woking. The diploma was presented by current Formula 1 test driver Oliver Turvey.
Mazatis passed the demanding workshop series at the premises of the renowned Formula 1 team with flying colours. Physical training sessions as well as intensive training on the technical side of motorsport equipped the talented youngster with the tools for a professional career in motorsport.
Even in the run-up to Christmas, the young Bruckmühl native's world still revolves around motorsport. Alongside the McLaren Academy, Mazatis is preparing for his debut in the newly created Formula 4 racing series, established by the FIA, with an intensive test programme in Spain.
„Our extensive preparations are going according to plan and I can hardly wait for the start of the season at the end of April in Oschersleben for the ADAC Formula 4,“ Mazatis informed upon his departure from England. „The training as a McLaren Junior has given me intensive insight into the workflows of a professional racing driver, and I will try to use these as successfully as possible in my formula racing debut next season. With my very good performance this training year, I think I will have good chances of being accepted back into the McLaren Junior squad next year too. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my partners and sponsors, as well as my teachers at Gymnasium Bruckmühl for the great year 2014. I wish you all a peaceful Christmas season and a Happy New Year into a successful and healthy 2015 together.“