Japanese kart racer Douglas Bolger has stepped up his preparations for driving with established front-runners Carlin ahead of the 2021 British F4 Championship. The 15-year-old has been combining on-track testing with fitness training and simulator work over the past three months, in partnership with long-time fitness trainer Formula To Perform and driver development company Kokoro Performance.
Following the current success of Kokoro and Carlin driver Zak O’Sullivan in the 2020 championship, Douglas, known as Dougie, hopes to pick up the torch heading into next year’s season. Dedicating a significant period of this year to prepare for 2021’s title assault, Dougie aims to hit the ground running.
Working closely with the team at Carlin, Dougie has been testing both on track and on the simulator, developing his driving ability, whilst learning more about the feel of the car. Guidance has also come from the coaches at Kokoro Performance, who attend each of his tests and help to improve his performance through both physical and mental preparation, and expert analysis. With the help of Simon Reynolds at Formula To Perform, Dougie has also been improving and maintaining his physical fitness, through tailored workouts and regimes.
On-track testing began in early September when Dougie had his first experience in the Carlin car at Pembrey circuit, Wales. Less than a week later he was in Anglesey, pushing track limits at the UK’s most scenic track, where he impressed with lapping close to Carlin’s all-time record. The most significant of his tests came in late September when Dougie drove alongside a troupe of British F4 cars at Silverstone circuit. Here he demonstrated his pace and ability to compete with some of the UK’s best young talents. This was followed by two successful tests in Pembrey during October, and another at Snetterton in early November.
Focusing on maximising preparation ahead of 2021, Kokoro and Carlin have fifteen more tests planned for Dougie before the end of 2020. Away from track, Dougie has been pursuing his education at the Kimbolton School where he excels in Maths, and has seen huge improvements in English and Spanish. In addition to this, Simon Reynolds has been supervising his training multiple times per week, with a focus on his fitness and athletic strength to aid him on track.
Alongside his track, school and fitness days, Dougie has been undertaking a number of simulator days with Kokoro Performance’s Kieren Clark, developing his reactions, skill and understanding of the UK’s primary racing circuits.
Describing his thoughts on his preparation, Dougie said, “I am feeling more and more confident in the car, and the whole experience is becoming more natural for me. In addition to my solo tests, I really enjoyed the group testing with F4 drivers, because although I felt nervous at times, it made me more focussed and determined in my driving. Over the winter I aim to improve on performing under pressure and my consistency on track in order to be prepared for the championship next year.”
Kieren Clark, Kokoro Performance coach added; “Dougie is developing very well. He is super committed and highly competitive – which we love. His performance over the past few months has been fantastic; he is fast and he adapts quickly which is impressive. In addition to this, his technical understanding has developed hugely. Our main objective for winter is prepping Dougie for the racing side of driving because speed-wise we are there. We will work on understanding space beside him when he’s wheel to wheel as well as learning all the key tracks on the F4 circuit. At the end of the day, our aim for 2021 is to win.”
