Home Formula 4Italian F4 Prema signs karter Gabriel Bortoleto for Italian F4

Prema signs karter Gabriel Bortoleto for Italian F4

by Ida Wood

Prema has signed top karter Gabriel Bortoleto to its Italian Formula 4 squad for the 2020 season.

The 15-year-old Brazilian started karting in 2012 and moved into the European racing scene four years later in 60 Mini karts.

He stepped up to OK Junior karts in 2017 and finished seventh in the World championship, which he improved on in 2018 with third place in the World and European classifications before stepping up to the senior OK category.

“I am extremely happy. This is an opportunity that I always hoped for, and even more because I am joining a top team like Prema, in a very high-level championship like F4,” Bortoleto said.

“It will be my first year in single-seaters. I am sure that with Prema, I will learn a lot and we will do a great job together. I can’t wait to start the season.?

Last year Borotleto finished seventh in the WSK Super Master Series and ninth in the South Garda Winter Cup, but could only manage 13th in the CIK-FIA European championships.

?We are already very excited for the 2020 season,” said Prema’s Italian F4 team principal Angelo Rosin.

“With so many new young drivers, it?s always fascinating to witness the progress and we are inspired by the commitment and dedication we get to see.

“Gabriel is a proven talent. He is a fierce competitor and can be quick and consistent. We expect him to impress.?

Prema’s second Italian F4 signing is new Ferrari Driver Academy member Dino Beganovic, who won the Italian and Swedish titles for OK karts in 2019.