Teenager Omar Ismail aiming for the top after school backing - The Solihull Observer

Teenager Omar Ismail aiming for the top after school backing

Solihull Editorial 29th Jan, 2016 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

TEENAGER Omar Ismail has the difficult task of balancing his A-Level studies with a BRDC Formula 4 career, but the Solihull driver has received the full backing of his headmaster David Lloyd.

The 16-year-old is targeting the 2016 title after confirming he will return to the championship with HHC Motorsport inside the new Tatuus-Cosworth car and Ismail is working hard on the track in preparation for the opening round of the season at Snetterton on March 27/28.

But he has also got to keep on top of his studies at Solihull School and headmaster Mr Lloyd is keen to help the Solihull youngster along his journey.

He said: “Omar is one of a long list of pupils performing at a very high level in sports not necessarily coached in schools by teachers.




“However, as a school we do all that is possible to work with external coaches, clubs and competition organisers to maximise the chances of pupil success.

“This often involves some time away from school and academic and pastoral staff work hard to make sure that no individual is disadvantaged by training or competing during term time.


“Indeed, we very much enjoy recognising and celebrating individual and/or team success in one of our school assemblies.

“The co-curricular life of the school is most significant and valued and this need not always be focused on ‘mainstream’ activities.

“What matters is balance between the curricular and co-curricular, communication between all parties, a positive mental attitude and hard work on all fronts.

“Pupils should follow their dreams but have the best possible academic education too. We aim to achieve both and wish Omar the vest best of success in his racing.”

Ismail has already tested the new Tatuus-Cosworth 230bhp-spec car and was thoroughly impressed with the machine which made its debut in the 2015 Autumn Trophy.

He has also racked up five days of running behind the wheel, one day in Anglesey and four days in Valencia, and he is pleased with the progress that he has made.

Having run Will Palmer to the 2015 title, Ismail feels that he can make just as big an impact with HHC Motorsport in 2016 and is aiming to deliver a second consecutive championship for the Harrogate based-outfit.

“The main reason I signed with them is that they did such a good job with Will last year. I know I can be as good a driver as him and I know that with HHC I can win the championship.

“Of course there are a lot of strong drivers coming in this year and it will be a really competitive championship but with HHC and how good they are, we can definitely show how good I really am.

“Names are names but at the end of the day, we are all on the same field, in the same car and we can all race. It won’t be about who has won the most titles before. It is all about the there and then.”

As for his schoolwork, Ismail added: “I am happy to be studying my A-Levels at Solihull School, who have been extremely supportive of my Motorsport career.

“I know that even participating in motorsport is a rare opportunity and I’m grateful that Solihull School are allowing me the time to race and prepare.

Anyone wishing to support, sponsor or get involved in formula 4 contact 07801066600 for more information.

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