By Charles Ike-Okoh
MON 22 MARCH, 2021-theGBJournal-The young Nigerian-American penned a long-term deal with the iconic British racing outfit, McLaren Racing today.
‘’We’ve been watching Ugo’s progress with interest, so when the opportunity to sign an agreement with him became available, we had no hesitation moving on it,’’ said Zak Brown, Chief Executive officer of McLaren. ‘’Now we’ll focus on giving Ugo the right support when he needs it to help him fulfil his potential.’’
According to McLaren’s statement, the 13 year old American has proven to be a revelation, already securing several titles in his young career in the US and Europe, and most recently winning the 2020 FIA OKJ European Championship.
The agreement provides McLaren Racing with an option on Ugo’s services in the future, while supporting his development and evolution as he progresses through the junior categories of motorsport.
Ugo said he is honoured to be signed by such an iconic team as McLaren Racing so early in his career.
‘’To have the support of McLaren is fantastic and what any young driver dreams of. I’m focused right now on developing as a driver and racer, so having McLaren by my side can help me on and off the track,’’ he added.
Team Principal, Andreas Seidl describes Ugo as a promising young talent with strong development prospect.
‘’It is clear he has the ingredients to be successful in the sport. The signing reflects our refocused approach to identifying and supporting new talent, away from a formal young driver programme to a more tailored basis.’’
Ugo Ugochukwu becomes the first Nigerian name to be registered with a Formula 1 Racing team and his name will surely attract a lot of followership for McLaren in Nigeria, a country with the biggest number of Formula 1 enthusiasts in the African continent.
Twitter-@theGBJournal|email: info@govandbusinessjournal.ng
