Monica Boulton Ramos and Deagen Fairclough have each won a spot on the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA grid for 2023 after being named the inaugural winners of the ROKiT Racing Stars competition.

Launched this year with the aim of discovering new motorsport talent through online sim racing, the innovative scheme – which is spearheaded by former President of the FIA Single Seater Commission Bob Fernley and ROKiT – is unique to British motorsport as it looks to remove the cost barrier to compete.

Five high-octane qualifying rounds on RaceRoom software whittled down the competition before 15 of the country’s brightest stars – seven girls and eight boys – went wheel-to-wheel on simulators at the University of Bolton for a never-before-seen prize. 

Competing just hours before he was due to sit a GCSE exam, Fairclough proved to be one of the standout performers as he took a clean sweep of victories around the virtual Brands Hatch Grand Prix to secure his place as the Male Racing Star. 

“I’m so over the moon,” said an overjoyed Fairclough. “I’m so speechless. ROKiT have given us such a fantastic opportunity, I’ve been waiting for an amazing opportunity like this, and it’s come around. I’m really overwhelmed, I can’t believe it.”

Boulton Ramos’ route to victory in the female category proved to be just as commanding as she charged to victory in race one before repeating the performance in the second contest to clinch the coveted F4 seat.

“I am still speechless,” Monica commented. “I had performed well in the qualifying races online and thought I had a chance but the competition from the other girls here in Bolton was tremendous and I am just delighted I have come through.”

Both drivers are now set to embark on six months of training in readiness for competition, supported by both the Motorsport UK Academy and Hitech GP. Later in the year they will then begin pre-seas testing before taking up full-time race seats in the series for 2023.