Matan Achituv will make his European racing debut in the GB4 Championship this year, and the young Israeli driver is determined to make an impact right from the start.
Having karted in his homeland before graduating to single-seaters, Achituv will join reigning champions Elite Motorsport in GB4, and is aiming to follow in the footsteps of reigning champion Ary Bansal, who steered Eddie Ives' team to a maiden title in single-seaters.
"Joining such a successful team is a huge confidence boost" Achituv comments. "The team has shown that they know how to win and had a very successful GB4 campaign last year.
"I really liked the team environment from my first test with them, I feel very confident in it, and I'm excited to contribute to their success next season."
The 15-year-old already has good single-seater experience behind him, having raced in the Skip Barber Formula Race Series in 2024 before moving on to the YACademy Winter Series and USF Juniors last year, finishing sixth in the Winter Series. GB4 marks a big change in his career direction, but is a challenge he is looking forward to.
"I'm incredibly excited to be racing in GB4 next season. It’s a new environment for me, with different tracks and conditions, and I’m excited for the challenge and the chance to keep developing as a driver.
"GB4 made sense for where I am in my career. The format, the calendar, the progression path, and the opportunities fit well with my goals, and it gives me the right platform to keep learning while racing in a competitive field. I have also felt comfortable in the GB4 car from the first test."
Having only raced cars on American circuits, Achituv acknowledges the challenges of racing on British tracks will be another aspect for him to adapt to.
"I expect the racing to be quite different. British circuits are generally narrower, more technical, and demand a lot of precision and commitment. The racing in GB4 last season was very close and exciting. The conditions are a lot different as well, a lot colder and wetter, but I am ready for the challenge."
Achituv has already gained plenty of mileage in GB4 machinery since the end of the season, both in the UK and in Europe as part of Elite's testing programme, and things are progressing well.
"Testing has been really positive" he reckons. "I’ve had a couple of strong days in the car, and I've felt very confident in it and able to learn and apply. The GB4 car is fun to drive and has been very reliable in every aspect.
"So far, my favourite track has been Snetterton. It’s fast, fun, and suits my driving style, but I’m excited to keep learning the rest of the UK circuits."
With plenty of time to go ahead of the new season, Matan is aiming high to maintain his career momentum.
"I aim to start strong, keep improving, and put myself in a position to fight at the front of the championship. I want to build consistency, execute on what I've learned, learn the UK tracks well, and get prepared for the next step in my career."
