Rookie Sedgwick makes the grade in French test

Sedgwick, 16, has spent most of his free time since the start of the year preparing for his GCSE examinations, which has meant his motorsport career was temporarily put on hold.

But with his last exam completed, his attention has turned to a new chapter in his racing career with a move to the French F4 Championship run by the French Autosport Academy.

The Championship, recognised as one of the top single-seater championships in the world, has produced a number of drivers who have gone on to drive in F1.

Sedgwick will compete in the final half of this year’s championship with the plan to return for a full season in 2016.

Before Sedgwick’s first race at Magny-Cours next month, his first challenge was to master the F4 Championship car.

The car shares a lot of technology found on modern F1 cars, including full carbon fibre construction, paddle change sequential gearbox and rear mounted Renault Sport Racing engine and, after a day’s testing, Sedgwick was clocking times to match his more experienced rivals.

“Getting to drive on the famous Le Mans circuit was a dream come true,” said Sedgwick, who will be one of the youngest drivers in the championship which is restricted to 15 to 23-year-olds.

“The other drivers have contested all of the championship so far, so to be only half a second off the fastest time, I am very pleased.

“Now I have to work hard before my next test later this month at Magny-Cours to close up this gap.”

Sedgwick will be back testing at Magny-cours on Thursday.