Ava Dobson, the highest-scoring female driver in GB4 last year is gearing up for her full season debut in F1 Academy, representing American Express, with the new season getting underway in Shanghai this weekend.
Having already made a wildcard appearance in the series in Miami last year, the American driver, who scored a GB4 podium at Donington Park in October, is ready to make an impression on the international stage.
"I'm really excited to get going with American Express and Hitech, especially racing with F1 and in such a competitive field!" she exclaims.
As the top scoring female in GB4 last year, Dobson followed in the footsteps of F1 Academy race winner Alisha Palmowski and received a €50,000 prize from MSV to put towards her F1 Academy campaign. She admits the prize has come in very useful.
"It was extremely valuable to help me move up to F1 Academy, especially being able to make the next step in my career. I'm really looking forward to racing with everyone this season since it will be super competitive."
The bulk of Ava's racing experience has come in GB4, with almost two seasons of experience in the series. She believes the skills learned in that time will prove very handy as she adjusts to international competition, and heads into the season buoyed by a strong run to seventh in a pre-season test.
"GB4 was super helpful to help me develop as a driver, being able to really learn the ins and outs of how everything really works.
"I’m feeling confident within myself but always keeping it as a learning phase and not putting too much pressure on myself.
"It’s going to feel amazing [racing in front of F1 fans], the excitement around and all the support will feel really cool."
Her elevation to F1 Academy comes with backing from finance giant American Express, and she's hoping to make the most of the year ahead.
"It’s really such an honor to represent American Express this year and having such an amazing partnership means so much to me.
"I’m hoping to learn as much as possible this year and gain so much knowledge, but to also fight and be competitive."
