HERENTHALS - Racing talent Ean Eyckmans from Herenthals, Belgium, has set one of the biggest achievements of his racing career by winning the Richard Mille Driver Academy. Eyckmans came out on top at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Spain in the talent competition. He had to drive a Spanish F4 car there several times, but his media activities were also considered. This meant not only a huge honor, but also a unique opportunity to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional race car driver. The son of Indy 500 contestant Wim Eyckmans is thrilled to win this talent show and is already looking forward to the next steps. “I still can't believe it,” Ean begins after winning the Richard Mille Driver Academy. “Did I really win or am I dreaming? I am only now beginning to realize that I am the winner,” the young Belgian promise continues elated about winning the program that gives him the opportunity to make the step into motorsports. This grand prize was made possible in part by Nicolas Todt's Allroad Management. That is the son of former Ferrari team boss and former FIA president Jean Todt. Nicolas is the big man of the Allroad management team of Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc, among others.
The Richard Mille Driver Academy is an intensive program where some young talents from the karting world come together to prove themselves. Ean explained what he had to do here, “We had to attend two days at the track in Jerez de la Frontera.” The first day was devoted to media activities and social media. In addition, the drivers received further instructions on how the car works. “But on the second day, after the Spanish F4 weekend, we finally got to drive ourselves.”
The promising Belgian, who has already won nice prizes in karting in recent seasons, had limited experience in the car compared to some of his competitors, who had already made many more test days. Nevertheless, Ean managed to adapt at lightning speed: “In the first session, it went pretty well right away. I was immediately the second fastest on the track. I built it up slowly, even with old tires, which was still a bit difficult for me due to my limited experience.” His quick adjustment made an excellent impression on the judges and engineers.
The two practice sessions were followed by qualifying, in which Ean again rode handsomely as one of the fastest around the legendary track. “In qualifying, I was second again,” Ean continued. “Then we had a race simulation, where we went out after each other and were instructed to be as consistent as possible. My lap times were fast and were within two-tenths of a second of each other in the 16 laps. The judges were very happy with that.”
Ean's hard work and consistent performance were richly rewarded. That same evening, the judges met to decide who would take the coveted prize in his name. “When they called my name, I couldn't believe it at first,” Ean recalled. “It was a moment full of emotion, a combination of amazement and disbelief.”
The victory not only offers him the chance to further develop his talent but also to make a move to Formula 4, a crucial step towards a career in single-seaters. “Financially, we couldn't make the step to F4 ourselves,” Ean explained. “But thanks to this opportunity, I can really start my car career. Especially with Richard Mille and Allroad Management behind me.”
“I want to thank Richard Mille and Allroad immensely for this opportunity. Also, my parents, my sister and all my family, Speedwear and certainly MP Motorsport, who have always supported me. Now it's up to me to make it happen,” Ean Eyckmans concluded.