SUBANG JAYA: The Red Bull Rookies Driver Search programme themed 'Battle of The Sexes' has selected 30 young men and women out of the original 66 candidates to advance to the next level of its selection process after being judged on their driving skills and personality recently.
Female candidate Aliya Shereen Hizaddin, a network engineer said: "My father had a great influence in my passion for racing; supporting me tirelessly throughout my journey. As a member of a motorsports club, I believe I have the skills and winning attitude needed to make it as a race car driver. Women drivers have copped a lot of flack over the years, and I'm here to prove those critics wrong."
Male candidate, Rezza Amir Ariff who works at a local radio station, said: "My brother was a race car driver, and he has always been an inspiration of mine. Growing up around the track means that racing is in my blood. I cannot wait to give this my all, and hopefully, this will manifest into a professional career. The experience I've gained thus far in this competition has been invaluable. I look forward to the challenges ahead!"
A total 15 men and 15 women have been selected -- 16 Malaysians, 11 Singaporeans, and three Bruneians, and the candidates will compete in the second round on June 23-24.
The anchor drivers of the female and male teams are Melissa Huang and Mark Darwin respectively, who will lead the teams at the Sepang 1,000Km (S1K) race, which will be held on Dec 6-8.
For the first time in the Red Bull Rookies' six year history, Red Bull is looking to field a full team each of males and females, hence the theme 'Battle of the Sexes'. Both teams will compete against each other in the attempt of solving the age-old question of which gender is the better driver, once and for all.
The programme will train them in the various critical and essential aspects of racing such as physical training, team dynamics, racing techniques and interpersonal skills, leading up to the S1K race.
Visit www.facebook.com/RedBullRookies for the latest news and updates.
