Filipina rising star Bianca Bustamante will return to racing for the first time in the new year, confirming her entry in the 2024 Formula Winter Series with Spanish-based GRS Team in preparation for her second F1 Academy season. The 19-year-old driver is set to compete in the first 3 of 4 rounds in the championship, with her first weekend taking place at the Circuito de Jerez from the 9th to 11th of February. Bustamante will then travel to Valencia from the 16th to 18th of February for the second leg of the series, before the third round at Aragon from the 1st to 3rd of March.
Ahead of her debut in the Formula Winter Series, the Philippine driver took part in several two-day tests at Jerez, Valencia and Aragon, familiarizing herself with the team, car and circuits. The Formula Winter Series gained significant attention following its inaugural season and will boast a large and competitive field, making it an ideal platform for Bustmante to regain her competitive edge as she competes against an international roster of both male and female drivers. In support of the campaign, the McLaren Racing Driver Development programme has assigned renowned racing driver and coach, Warren Hughes, to work alongside Bustamante throughout the Formula Winter Series to prepare for her coming season.
The first round of the series kicks off this weekend in Jerez. With its rich history of hosting races like Formula 1 and MotoGP, the Circuito de Jerez is a legendary track known for its unique combination of long straights and tight corners.
Bustamante’s debut in the Formula Winter Series would not have been possible without title sponsor Lance East Exotics, who will be supporting the 19-year-old throughout her 2024 campaign once again. The championship will be available for broadcast via the official website and YouTube (Saturday / Sunday).
Bianca Bustamante | Race Driver, # 16 GRS Team
“I’m looking forward to competing in the Formula Winter Series in Spain! This will mark my debut in this series, where I'll have the chance to test my skills against some of the top F4 drivers in Europe. Its a short series but it will be great preparation as the F1 Academy season is fast approaching, which is my main program this year. I'm very grateful to GRS Team, who have done great work in preparing me for the races during our recent tests. Special thanks to Lance East Exotics and McLaren Racing for their continuous support in my journey so far. And finally, thank you to all my supporters for your enthusiasm and encouragement in my racing career. I really can’t wait to hit the track this week!”
2024 FORMULA WINTER SERIES RACING CALENDAR
February 9 to 11, 2024:
Round 1 @ Circuito de Jerez, Jerez
February 16 to 19, 2024:
Round 2 @ Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia
March 1 to 3, 2024:
Round 3 @ Ciudad del Motor de Aragón, Aragón