motor racing

The 21-year-old, who is currently competing in his maiden season in the GP2 Series, was selected from a group of 11 youngsters from around the world in the Institute’s graduation ceremony in Melk, Austria.

The announcement was the culmination of a series of workshops that put graduates through their paces in theoretical and practical activities, all designed to reinforce the institute’s motorsport safety and sustainability message, and on-track evaluation.

The prize includes mentoring from academy performance managers Alex Wurz, a former Formula 1 podium finisher and two-time Le Mans winner, and former World Rally champion co-driver Robert Reid.

Wurz, who raced in 69 Grands Prix for Benetton, McLaren and Williams, said: “Despite the high level of talent demonstrated by the academy drivers this year, Jordan’s skills and understanding stood out throughout the process and he is a well-deserved winner.”

King, who took a superb podium finish at Spa-Francorchamps in August, was thrilled to be chosen.

“It’s been a fascinating experience and I’m delighted to have won,” he said.

“I didn’t really expect it as the competition was very good this year - there were four or five guys who I thought had a very good chance.”

Acknowledgement from the FIA will prove invaluable to the aspiring F1 driver as he targets a move to racing’s Premiership.

“To have this on the CV is a real boost,” added King. “It’s great to have the FIA family under my arm, as it were. I hope I’ll be able to use the kudos this brings to my advantage as my career develops.”