Ed prepares title defence with F1 star Mark Webber
Ed gave his pre-season preparations wings by attending the annual ‘Get Race Fit’ day at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
The event was hosted by Red Bull Racing’s Mark Webber and the Grand Prix superstar made an instant impression when he revealed that he had flown into the UK from his native Australia just two hours prior to the 9am start.
The day, created by the Porsche Human Performance team, featured a series of challenges - including a yoga session. Ed’s race skills were also tested at the nearby iZone Driver Performance Centre on its state-of-the-art race simulator.
After lunch, Ed and his fellow participants had the chance to ask Webber about his own fitness regimes and receive advice on nutrition and hydration
“It was a fantastic day”, Ed observed, “We started off at iZone’s amazing facility and got some great insights into how the top drivers are using modern technology to complement their physical training. The seminar on sports diets and adopting eight healthy eating habits was really helpful. Mark and Andy Blow (from PHP) explained how to take a pragmatic, rather approach to being a racing driver. You have to be dedicated and stick to a strict set of rules 90% of the time but in the other 10%, you can let your hair down with reason.”
He added: “Mark is a good role model for an aspiring professional driver like me. He’s very down to earth and approachable. He’s one of the world’s best drivers, but revealed that he likes a glass of good red wine! He’s not living a monk-like existence, and for a teenager it’s refreshing to hear from someone of his stature. I came away from the event feeling really inspired and pleased that I invested my time in going. As I prepare for the new season, I hope that what I learned at Get race Fit will translate into positive results on the race track and that I can retain my Super One title.”
Ed is now preparing for the 2012 season with his new team, Formula K. The first race of the year, the Rotax Winter Cup takes place at Campillos in Spain on 8-12 February.

Brand New Team for Ed
Formula K Europe has signed Ed to launch its attack on the fiercely competitive Rotax classes in 2012.
Ed, the reigning Super One and Kartmasters Champion, will defend his UK titles with Protrain Racing and contest the Euro Max and BNL series, plus selected other events, with Holland-based Formula K Europe.
Martin Blom, Formula K Europe team principal said: “I first met Ed about three years ago when he was racing in the Junior class and he impressed me then. He did it again when he graduated to the Senior category - I like him as a person and for his driving style. We are building up the Formula K team and brand in Europe and now the UK, so I wanted a driver who can win the European Championship next year and Ed has the potential.”
Protrain’s Gary Chapman is also excited by his abilities: “I’m thrilled to have someone of Ed’s calibre racing with us. We’re looking to repeat the success he enjoyed this season in the UK and go one better in Europe. It’s our first time working together, but we’ve known and got on well with Ed and his family for years.”
Chapman added, “The Formula K chassis has been doing very well in Europe and it is looking like the best to be on in 2012.”
Brand’s move to Formula K will see an old partnership renewed, as HRS Racing Engines will supply the motive power. The firm’s owner Nigel Horner is looking forward to working with Ed again: “I’m very pleased. We won the British championships the last time and I hope to do it again and, of course, win the elusive European crown. He’s great to work with and his feedback is excellent. It will be exciting to see our engines and, what is essentially a new product in the UK, being demonstrated by a driver of his ability. “
After weeks of speculation about his future, Ed said that the new deal means a great deal to him: “Every driver wants to be part of a works team and to have more responsibility than just turn up and drive. With Formula K I have an incredible opportunity, not just to lead their bid to win the British, European and Benelux championships, but also to have an input into developing the kart itself. I’ve already tested the kart at Genk and was just a tenth (of a second) off the pole time for the Euro Max round there. That wasn’t in full quali’ trim, so the potential is clearly there. I was very encouraged and the feedback from the chassis is excellent.”

 

2012

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