Mercedes-Benz announces Young Star Drivers Season 2

After a successful Young Star Drivers Season 1, Mercedes-Benz will continue with the hunt for more new drivers in this second season. The finale for the second season will happen on the 8th of August. The top 24 participants will battle in Buddh International Circuit Formula One race track on August 8th 2014 for the coveted title.

‘Mercedes-Benz Young Star Driver’ is one-of-its-kind initiative in India which provided the winners a dream come true opportunity of giving wings to their racing careers. The race for the title of ‘Mercedes-Benz Young Star Driver’ was flagged off by Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Vicky Chandok, President, Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) at Buddh International Circuit.

A total of 24 finalists are chosen from over 3200 applicants from 48 Indian cities and towns. The 24 finalist set lap times on the track in one of the new Mercedes-Benz. Of these, 6-12 drivers with the best times are chosen to participate in the final where they get an opportunity to drive Mercedes-Benz latest AMG chariot.

After a nationwide evaluation process based on different criterions like racing acumen, racing aptitude and accomplishment, FMSCI’s jury comprising Arjun Balu (Reigning Indian Touring Car Champion having 17 years of rally experience), Amittrajit Ghosh (Current leader of 2013 Indian National Rally Championship & 2012 INRC Champion) and Sanjay Balu (Former National Champion with 25 years of motorsports experience) shortlisted the candidates who are invited for a one day program at the Buddh International Circuit. Mercedes-Benz India received over 3200 applications from aspiring young racing stars from across 48 Indian cities and towns.

The prize for the second runner up is an opportunity to learn at the basic level with the AMG driving academy in India. The first runner up gets to train with the AMG academy at the basic and advanced level. The winner gets to train at the AMG Driving academy in India and Germany, with the icing on the cake being the chance to intern with the Mercedes-Benz AMG Petronas team during the Indian Grand Prix. This will encourage more young talent to get into motorsports and we could possibly have more Indians driving in Formula 1, DTM and other major motorsport activities. The German company is providing winners with a dream come true opportunity by giving wings to the young aspirants and their racing careers.