Australian F1 Academy Driver Ciconte Eyes Zandvoort Success Despite Financial Challenges
Zandvoort, Netherlands – Australian Formula 1 Academy driver Bianca Ciconte heads into this weekend’s races at the Zandvoort circuit aiming to build on recent momentum, despite facing notable financial hurdles compared to her competitors. The first race is scheduled for 1am AEST on Sunday, August 31st.
ciconte,18,has demonstrated increasing pace in the F1 Academy series,securing a pair of top-10 finishes,most recently at Montreal prior to the mid-year break. However, she acknowledges a disadvantage stemming from limited opportunities for testing and track time due to financial constraints.
“Unfortunately, I haven’t had the financial opportunities to the other girls that I’m racing against, so it’s been quite hard for me to jump into a car every few months and be confident with what I’m driving and go to a new circuit that I haven’t driven on before,” Ciconte explained. “So it’s all about building my confidence as quick as I can and realising and understanding the details that I’m getting provided by my engineer.”
The Zandvoort circuit presents a unique challenge for all drivers. Renowned for its banked corners – notably turns 3 and 16 – and undulating terrain, the track offers a demanding and exhilarating driving experience. Ciconte described the circuit as “fully different” and likened it to “a roller coaster, especially with the elevation changes,” adding, “It feels like a roller coaster, especially with the elevation changes, but it’s an experience for sure.”
Ciconte participated in an F1 Academy testing session at Zandvoort last month, gaining valuable experience with both the track and her car’s setup. She will be joined on the grid by fellow Australian racer, Aiva Anagnostiadis.
Background: F1 Academy & Rising Female Talent
The F1 Academy is a single-seater motorsport championship launched in 2023 aimed at identifying and nurturing young female drivers, providing a pathway towards Formula 1. The series is designed to offer equal opportunities and support for aspiring female racers, addressing the historical under-representation of women in top-level motorsport. The championship is officially sanctioned by the FIA and supported by Formula 1, with the ultimate goal of increasing female participation in the sport. drivers compete in standardized Tatuus F4-T421 chassis powered by Autotecnica engines.
The series is gaining prominence as a crucial stepping stone for female drivers hoping to break into the highly competitive world of Formula 1, and the performance of drivers like Ciconte and Anagnostiadis is attracting increasing attention.
For more information on the F1 Academy,you can contact abcsport5050@your.abc.net.au. You can also listen to the ABC Sport Daily podcast for more sports news and analysis.