Dorset racing driver Reza Seewooruthun has secured support from Hendy Land Rover in Christchurch as the 16-year-old takes his first steps towards becoming a Formula One driver.

The youngster is driving in the Ginetta Junior Championship this year and has already secured several podium wins in the competitive series where he is bidding for the rookie championship title.

And it’s a busy year for the youngster who is a sporting scholar at Canford School and taking his GCSEs this summer.

“Although my ambitions are to become a Formula One driver Land Rover has a special place in my heart as I remember off roading in a Defender when I was very young with my dad and brother so it means a lot to have the backing and support of Hendy Land Rover this season,” said Reza.

“The support of local companies such as Hendy means that I can have the opportunity to compete in such a competitive series and hopefully move up the motorsport ladder.”

Last year Reza was English Junior Rotax Karting champion, a sport he took up when he was 13 years old.

Once his CGSEs are complete Reza will be studying with the Minerva Academy, a remote school which works with young racing drivers to help them combine education with their racing careers.

Andy Grant, Hendy Group’s head of brand performance for Jaguar and Land Rover said it was always exciting to be able to support up and coming talent. “Reza has tremendous talent, ambition and confidence and we are all following his season with interest,” he said.