Press

In the wake of strong test results at Zhuhai International Circuit this past week, BlackArts Racing is pleased to announce the signing of Sandro Tavartkiladze to its 2019 Asia Formula Renault Championship driver line up.

The 19 year old hails from the independent republic of Georgia in Eastern Europe, where he has spent the last decade progressing from karting to being the undisputed leader of the national scene in single-seater formula.

The three-time Formula Alfa Champion and four-time Georgian Driver of the Year completed several testing days with BlackArts Racing this past week, setting impressive times from his very first sessions in the Formula Renault 2.0. Over three days of testing, he adapted quickly to the power and downforce of the proven FR2.0, thanks to his driving prowess in the wings and slicks Formula Alpha.

BAR drivers have won all four Asia Formula Renault Driver Championships from 2015 through 2018, and Sandro is looking forward to the 2019 AFR Series as another step in the progression of his professional racing career.

Sandro said: “I am really excited to join the Asian Formula Renault Series with BlackArts Racing. It is a good opportunity to show what I am capable of and the team is really helping me to develop my skills. So, thanks for giving me a chance like this and i will do everything to do well and win the title.”

BlackArts Racing’s Team Principal Bill O’Brien said: “Sandro really impressed us because although he is the top talent back home in the Formula Alpha, the Formula Renault is a more powerful car with significantly more downforce. However, he adapted well to the car in the three days of testing and showed that he is ready to be a contender for the 2019 Asia Formula Renault Championship. We wish him the best of luck in the season and are looking forward to working with him throughout the year and helping him to further his pro racing career.”

Asia Formula Renault uses the proven Formula Renault 2.0 platform and has been a springboard for the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa, Daniel Ricciardo and others. The AFR Series has been a cornerstone of formula racing in the Asia region since its establishment in 2001.

The six-round, 12 race championship will start at the immensely popular Pan Delta Race Festival at Zhuhai International Circuit in March, then visit the Ningbo International Speedway near Shanghai before returning to Zhuhai. From there, the series will head to the new Tianjin Circuit near Beijing before concluding overseas with two rounds at the famous Sepang International Circuit.

For more information on Sandro Tavartkiladze, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/sandro.tavartkiladze.

For more information on BlackArts Racing please visit www.BlackArtsRacing.com.

2019 Asia Formula Renault Championship Schedule:
Rnd 1 – March 23-24 - Zhuhai International Circuit, China
Rnd 2 – May 25-26- Ningbo International Speedpark, China
Rnd 3 – June 15-16- Zhuhai International Circuit, China
Rnd 4 – July 13-14- Tianjin V1 Circuit, China
Rnd 5 – August 24-25- Sepang International F1 Circuit, Malaysia
Rnd 6 – September-28-29- Sepang International F1 Circuit, Malaysia