Japanese racer Douglas Bolger today confirmed he will join Carlin in the 2021 F4 British Championship certified by the FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost. The 16-year-old makes his car racing debut with the championship-winning outfit, having impressed in a number of tests with Carlin over the winter break.
Douglas, known as ‘Dougie’, from Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan, began racing at the age of 7. After showing promise in multiple junior karting categories, Dougie emulated his racing heroes to move to the United Kingdom aged 12 and pursue his dream of becoming the first Japanese Formula 1 World Champion.
In 2018, McLaren Racing took note of Dougie’s determined approach and selected the young Japanese racer as one of its’ McLaren DNA Programme drivers. Dougie went on to score podium finishes in the British, LGM and Japanese karting championships throughout 2018 and 2019.
Despite setbacks with Covid-19 restrictions, Dougie made a successful test debut with Carlin in late 2020, aided by Kokoro Performance and Formula to Perform. He has his sights firmly set on single-seater success in 2021.
Speaking on the news, Dougie said,
“It’s amazing to finally confirm the news. I’m so excited to be with Carlin, especially with all the history and success they have as a team. I feel honoured to become a part of that story. I have tested at a few tracks already with the team, but I’m looking forward to getting into it properly and visiting some new circuits like Croft and Knockhill. The UK has so many great and interesting circuits. Driving in F4 is something I couldn’t imagine a few years ago, but in testing I felt very comfortable. I will be pushing every day with the team, Kokoro Performance, and Formula to Perform to be at the front at Thruxton!“
Carlin team boss Trevor Carlin added,
“I’m delighted that Dougie will continue with the team, having competed a test programme with us in 2020. Dougie is just at the start of his career but is quickly learning and improving behind the wheel of the F4 car. Learning the ins and outs of race weekend will be the next challenge but Dougie has a great team around him and the right attitude to be able to handle these challenges. I’m really looking forward to seeing him grow as a driver when the season kicks off in May.“
Kieren Clark, Director of Kokoro Performance concluded,
“A driver’s first season in car racing is a big step, but I’m confident Dougie is up to the challenge. In choosing Carlin he has the most competitive package on the grid with the best people around him, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can achieve. Physically, he is probably the most prepared 16-year-old I’ve ever seen! He has demonstrated great potential in testing and on the simulator, so it’s all about pulling those elements together and focusing on his development until May.“
About Dougie
From early age of four, Dougie Bolger’s dream has been to become Japan’s first Formula 1 World Champion. Racing is his passion, and Dougie intends to compete on the world stage to make his and his country’s dream come true.
Born in Tokyo, 2004, to British and Japanese parents, Dougie is a unique dual national, bilingual racer with a real dedication to mastering his chosen sport. By his fourth full season at the wheel, Dougie was crowned the back-to-back champion in the Haruna Cup Championship in his home country, before taking on the world’s best junior karters in various British, European, Asian and World championships with the renowned Fusion Motorsport.
To support his preparation for car racing, Dougie joined the UK-based driver coaches at Kokoro Performance. Much like Carlin, Kokoro and its’ coaches have guided F4 champions to success in previous seasons with a 360-degree approach to mental and technical development, most recently 2019 champion Zane Maloney and 2020 vice-champion Zak O’Sullivan.
Dougie’s physical development is supported by Simon Reynold’s Formula to Perform. Previously of McLaren Racing, Simon has worked tirelessly with Dougie to ensure his fitness is second-to-none, with weekly remote training sessions and trackside warm-up activities.
2021 British F4 Championship Calendar
08-09 May – Thruxton
15-16 May – Snetterton 300
12-13 June – Brands Hatch Indy
31 July – 01 August – Oulton Park Island
14-15 August – Knockhill
28-29 August – Thruxton
25-26 September – Silverstone National
09-10 October – Donington Park National
23-24 October – Brands Hatch GP
Photography by Kokoro Media ©.
