McLaren has signed last year’s European OK Junior karting champion, 13-year-old American Ugo Ugochukwu, to a “long-term agreement”.
The contract gives McLaren Racing an option on Ugo’s services in the future, while supporting his development and evolution as he progresses through the junior categories of motorsport.
“We’ve been watching Ugo’s progress with interest, so when the opportunity to sign an agreement with him became available, we had no hesitation moving on it” said McLaren CEO and fellow American, Zac Brown.
“Now we’ll focus on giving Ugo the right support when he needs it to help him fulfil his potential.”
Team Principal Andreas Seidl added, “Ugo is a promising young talent with strong development prospects. This signing reflects our refocused approach to identifying and supporting new talent, away from a formal young driver programme to a more tailored basis.”
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This year, Ugochukwu moved up to the OK class and had been driving with the Sauber Orlen Karting Team on Kart Republic/IAME.
“I’m honoured to be signed by such an iconic team as McLaren Racing so early in my career” Ugo said.
“To have the support of McLaren is fantastic and what any young driver dreams of. I’m focused right now on developing as a driver and racer, so having McLaren by my side can only help me on and off the track.”
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