Young Kiwi announces big European motorsport calendar

Marcus Armstrong to race in German and Italian Formula 4 championships

16-year-old New Zealander Marcus Armstrong has confirmed his plans for the 2017 motorsport season, and they're rather vast.

Armstrong will compete across two different Formula 4 championships this year; one in Germany, and one in Italy. What's more, he'll be racing for Prema Powerteam — one of the most storied junior open-wheel racing teams in Europe, and a team connected to the Ferrari Academy that Armstrong is a member of.

"I’m very pleased to be working with Prema Powerteam for the 2017 season," said Armstrong.

"There is a huge amount of knowledge and experience within the team, and it's fantastic to share the same ambition.

"We are hungry for results, which is something I have learned to love about Prema. They have a fantastic reputation and I can't wait to learn and grow within the team."

Armstrong joins a long list of drivers who have driven for the Italian Prema outfit. Founded in 1983, the team have competed across 10 different European open-wheel championships in their time.

Over that period they've helped foster the talents of a very long and colourful list of international drivers. From Australasia there's the likes of Ryan Briscoe, Michael Patrizi, and Nick Cassidy, while many Formula 1, IndyCar, and DTM stars have also emerged through their revolving door — including drivers like Robert Kubica, Daniel Juncadella, Charlie Kimball, and fresh Williams F1 recruit Lance Stroll.

Armstrong comes off an impressive debut season in the Castrol Toyota Racing Series, where he managed to accumulate more race wins than the ultimate title winner — a few inconsistent rounds the only thing holding him back from finishing any better than fourth in the championship.

The Christchurch-based driver also brings with him a handy European karting resume, as well as recent cameos in Formula Renault and BRDC British F3. 

Competing in the two championships means that Armstrong will be away racing for two weekends in April, May, June, July, September, and October — plus a round in August. That's 14 race weekends between April and October, plus any other motorsport he may dip his toes in.