CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano karting prodigy William John Riley Go has hurdled another though obstacle towards achieving his F1 dream.
This after the 14-year-old Go has been selected for the Ferrari Driver Academy Scouting World Finals set later this month at the FDA in Fiorano, Italy together with Enzo Yeh of Chinese Taipei.
“It is my honor to reveal that I have secured a spot as one of the top two in the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Shootout for Asia Pacific and Oceania,” Go wrote on his Facebook page.
“The race was no easy feat, competing with talented racers and dealing with various weather conditions,” he added.
Go, who made history as first Filipino world champion in the Super ROK category during the South Garda Karting ROK Super Finals in Lonato, Italy last year, and Yeh stood out as the two finalists from the recent FDA Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program held in Malaysia.
In partnership with scouting partner Motorsports Australia, the intensive three-day selection program held at Sepang’s iconic Formula 1 circuit saw 24 young drivers from around the Asia Pacific and Oceania region driving the latest generation of Formula 4 cars to showcase their skills.
With much confidence and determination, Go and Yeh did more than enough to impress the collection of judges, which included FDA representatives Jock Clear and Alessandro Vantini, and ultimately booked a spot at the Scouting World Finals.
“All 24 youngsters rose to the occasion and did themselves proud, helping each other and working well with the engineers. William and Enzo were just a cut above the rest and so they are the ones we have selected,” said Jock Clear, an FDA Driver Coach.
Go and Yeh will now head to Italy for a much tougher challenge in the FDA Scouting World Finals slated on October 24-28 at the famed Fiorano Circuit where they will face some of the best young talents from around the world for a full-time place in the coveted FDA program.
“Being able to represent my country on this international stage is both an honor and responsibility. I can’t wait to carry the flag with pride in Fiorano Circuit for the next stage,” said Go. “As I gear up for the challenge ahead, I carry the hopes of my nation, the unwavering love and support from my family, and the faith in a higher purpose.”