BIRMINGHAM, U.K. -- Arden Motorsport have announced that British karting star Alex Connor will graduate to the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost in 2019 for his maiden campaign in single-seaters.

Connor – who becomes the latest member of the Young Racing Drivers Academy (YRDA) to graduate to Britain’s FIA-sanctioned Formula 4 series with Arden – is in confident mood after a positive winter testing programme with the defending Teams’ Champions.

His career began in the Sodi World Series (SWS) Junior Cup in Dubai, before progressing through the UAE’s Rotax Micromax and IAME X30 Cadet Championships to the X30 Junior and Rotax Junior Max Championships with Energy Dubai.

He was crowned X30 Cadet Champion in 2015-16, and Vice-Champion in MicroMax the same year. He also claimed third at the SWS Junior World Cup Finals.

The 14-year old will become one of the youngest drivers in the Ford EcoBoost-powered category’s history when he lines up for the start of another ten-event, thirty-race calendar at Brands Hatch on 6th-7th April.

“I’m really excited to have this opportunity to race with Arden in the F4 British Championship,” commented Connor.

“The guys at the YRDA have put a lot of effort into helping me in the simulator and in the gym. This has meant that the testing programme has gone well and I’m getting more confident with the car with each test.

“I know that the championship attracts the best young drivers from around the world, but I am certainly going to do my best and hopefully achieve some podium finishes along the way.”

Arden’s Team Principal Garry Horner echoed Connor’s optimism and believes silverware is on the horizon for the karting graduate.

“We are delighted that Alex will be racing with Arden in the 2019 F4 British Championship,” said Horner. “We have been monitoring his progress very closely as he is a member of the Young Racing Driver Academy and look forward to seeing him convert the talent and promise that he has shown in testing into podium success with us this season.”