Preparations for the upcoming ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA season have continued to ramp up with Virtuosi Racing becoming the first team to hit the track in the UK with the new-for-2022 second-generation car.

Completing a full day’s running at Brands Hatch on Wednesday (January 26), the Norfolk-based team put the new Tatuus T-421, it’s new Abarth powertrain and the Pirelli control tyres it runs on through its paces around the Indy circuit. 

Behind the wheel was the team’s first signing for the 2022 season, Edward Pearson, and he wasted no time in getting up to speed.

“It’s fantastic to be able to get my first laps in the car ticked off. Today was all about bedding everything in, checking the car over and getting myself up to speed as a driver,” said the 15-year-old single-seater graduate.

“We started off cautiously and then gradually built it up and by the end of the day, we were posting good lap times. It’s my first test in the car and with the team, so very much just a case of establishing the foundations for the winter ahead.

“The car itself is a lot of fun to drive, and obviously quite different to what I’m used to racing in Ginetta Juniors. I’m looking forward to the next opportunity to get back behind the wheel already.”

Virtuosi Team Manager Mark Salmon was also left satisfied with the maiden running of the new car, heaping plenty of praise onto it.

“For the first test, we have to be very happy with how today has gone. Our engineering team has plenty of data to go away and crunch some numbers, and for Edward, we’ve started to build up his mileage in the car before the season starts,” he explained.

“The car itself is fantastic for this level. Today was our first run out with it, and it’s gone flawlessly, which really gives us the confidence to start pushing the limits straight out of the box. I have a feeling the championship is going to have quite a few people talking this season.”

Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK added: “It’s fantastic to see our teams begin their winter testing programmes, and I’m sure with a brand new car, engine package and tyre to get their heads around, things will be flat out between now and the start of the season.

“Both Edward and Virtuosi are very enthusiastic following the test, so it’s clear to see the new Tatuus T-421 has made quite an impression in such a short space of time. We wish all the teams the best with their pre-season preparations and look forward to the opening rounds at Donington Park in just twelve weeks’ time.”