FEED Racing France champion Marijn Kremers believes his prize drive in the 2020 F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost will provide him with “a great opportunity” to boost his career.

The Dutch racer fought off competition from a near-century of rivals over the course of the year to be crowned the inaugural winner of the scheme, set up by former Formula 1 racer Jacques Villeneuve and 2001 ELMS champion Patrick Lemarie, at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours on Tuesday [12 November].

It caps off a promising year for the 21-year old, who was recently crowned CIK-FIA World Karting champion in the 125cc KZ class, and he will now join serial title winners Carlin on British shores next season for his graduation to single seaters.

The knockout format of the final proved a thorough test for all six chosen finalists; each driver received a seven-lap run on new tyres, with their best three attempts around the 2.7 Grand Prix circuit judged by a panel consisting of Villeneuve, Lemarie, Carlin’s F4 Team Manager, Martin Knapman, ex-F1 driver Olivier Panis and Serge Saulnier of Peugeot Sport fame.

“It feels great obviously!” said Kremers.

“I see the season in British F4 as a great opportunity for me to boost my racing career to the next level and it is a great feeling to have secured a seat with an amazing team as Carlin.

“British F4 is one of the highest levels of competition there is for the F4 drivers. The amount of time you get in the car and the amount of races you get to do as a driver is second to none. I think a lot of people realise that and that’s why it’s so popular.

“I’m obviously very excited, Carlin is such a big name in motorsport and I’m sure I will be able to learn a lot from their experience. Hopefully I’ll be able to add another championship for them. I’m sure all the components to win are there, it’s up to me to put it all together.”

Kremers also believes his extensive track time in the Mygale M14-F4 car throughout the scheme will help to offset any advantage some of his rivals with more experience in the car may have next season.

“Yes it will definitely help me a lot,” he explained.

“I got a lot of seat time through FEED and surely that is going to help me. Add some pre season tests with Carlin and hopefully I’ll be able to take the fight to all of the other drivers from the first race onwards.”

Kremers also has his sights set on emulating Carlin racer Zane Maloney in stepping straight out of international karting into Ford’s winning formula and sealing the championship title at the first attempt.

“I think if you’re pairing up with a team like Carlin, a championship would have to be the goal. Even as a rookie I’m sure with their guidance I’ll be able to put on some good results and hopefully a championship fight.”

Etienne Chéli finished as runner-up in the scheme’s debut year, with Alexis Giroud rounding out the podium.