F1 team McLaren pick Hudson for Performance Academy

Promising karter, Rory Hudson, from Royston, is an avid Formula One fan, but this year he will be following the fortunes of the McLaren team particular closely, as he has been chosen to join the prestigious McLaren Performance Academy.

Rory is among the selected young drivers who will undergo the newly-designed MPA-14 programme at McLaren’s British headquarters in Woking, and he has already participated in an initial three-day boot-camp of intensive training and assessments.

Throughout the rest of the year he will receive further support and attend workshop programmes within the McLaren Mercedes Formula One team that will offer insight into the blend of technologies, knowledge and best practices that drive motorsport success.

Rory was chosen after winning the prestigious Kartmasters Grand Prix in the Honda Cadet class last year and securing vice champion in the National series.

For Rory, this is a dream come true.

“I have always supported McLaren and to be part of this programme is a huge thrill,” he said.

“The three day bootcamp was quite intense, but I loved every minute and cannot wait to start using the techniques that we have been taught.”

McLaren Mercedes driver Kevin Magnussen, who is making is F1 debut this season, also commented on his experience at the Academy.

“As one of McLaren’s past young drivers, I had first-hand experience of the team’s expertise in driver development,” he explained.

“Whether it is guidance on nutrition, race preparation or physical fitness, McLaren’s human performance specialists made a real difference to my progress as a driver and contributed a great deal to where I am today.”

Rory who recently moved up to the Rotax Minimax class will be able to put his new skills into practise at the first round of the MSA British Karting Championship, the Super One Series, which starts in Cumbria after Easter