Stockinger career goes on high gear in F1 test

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Swiss speedster Marlon Stockinger shifts his bid to break into Formula 1 racing as he drives in an F1 test at Paul Ricard Circuit in France next month.

“I will have a chance to be in an F1 car on April 2. I will do a test at Paul Ricard. It’s not an official race but it’s a chance and to be given a chance at that level is very good. It’s a historic moment for the Philippine drivers,” said Stockinger during a presscon hosted by Globe Tattoo yesterday.

“This year, I plan to make the most in my racing season but if I can do well enough, there is a chance to get into F1,” he added.

The 21-year-old Globe Tattoo brand ambassador will have the race track at Le Castellet near Marseille all to himself for that whole day, proving his worth in a 350 kms drive with four sets of new F1 tires at his disposal. 

Stockinger is the first Filipino to win a formula race in Europe, achieving the feat at the 2012 GP3 Series at Monaco, where he set his first pole position and the fastest lap of the race.

Last month, Stockinger became part of the Lotus F1 Junior Team, which provides him with a thorough training program preparatory to an F1 career, including driving skills, physical fitness, nutrition and PR.

“Mataas ang pressure at expectation ng Lotus F1 sa akin para dalhin ang results (Pressure and exoecptations on me are high). Pero tingin ko (But for me) it’s a good pressure na kailangan magdeliver (to live up to expectations).

“We just have to learn as much as we can. Siyempre, gusto ko manalo kahit ng isang race (Of course I want to win at least one race) pero importante, (but the important thing is) learn as much as I can there,” he said, looking forward to the Renault World Series.

Stockinger, along with his father-manager Tom, and Bunny Aguilad, Globe Division Head of Convergent Communication Channels, updated media on the fast-rising racer’s career as well as Lotus F1 Team’s upcoming Road Show in the country.

On May 4-5, Lotus will bring in actual F1 race car to give Filipino motor sports fans an F1 experience. Stockinger himself will drive the powerful vehicle on the streets, along with other fellow drivers from Lotus.

Globe Tattoo, meanwhile, assures its support to Stockinger’s F1 drive. 

“Tattoo represents speed and there’s no better person to represent this than Marlon. Like our brand DNA ‘marked for greatness,’ we believe Marlon is marked for greatness and Tattoo supports him in his quest for F1,” said Aguilar.