Yana Kapoor, currently leading the WRS F4 championship for World Speed Motorsports, has been officially selected to participate in the prestigious F1 Academy Rookie Test. The intensive two-phase evaluation kicks off this week in the UK, focusing on off-track physical and psychological development before culminating in on-track running in Spain.
Phase 1: Elite Training Camp (August 25–27, 2026)
The evaluation begins with a comprehensive Rookie Training Camp held at Loughborough University in the UK from August 25–27, 2026. The three-day camp is designed to immerse drivers in the demands of elite motorsport performance, focusing heavily on physical preparation, performance psychology, and recovery strategies. During the camp, Kapoor will undergo a rigorous battery of assessments alongside other select rookies. Key activities include:
- VALD & Physiology Testing: High-performance physical assessments to benchmark athletic readiness.
- Cognitive & Simulator Evaluations: Cognitive testing paired with practice simulator sessions.
- Nutrition & Hydration Workshops: Educational sessions led by the Gatorade Sport Science Institute.
- Mobility & Recovery: Prehab, injury prevention, and movement strategies conducted by Hintsa Performance.
- Media & Professional Skills: Simulated press engagements and official F1 Academy media activities.
Phase 2: Navarra Rookie Test (September 8–11, 2026)
Following the UK camp, Kapoor will travel to Circuito de Navarra in Spain for the on-track phase of the test, scheduled from September 8–11, 2026. The multi-day Spanish leg transitions Kapoor from the performance laboratory into the race garage environment:
- Tuesday, September 8: Arrival day and official all-driver briefing.
- Wednesday, September 9: Off-track assessment day, focusing on media and interview-based evaluations.
- Thursday, September 10: Team observation and immersion day, allowing Kapoor to integrate with team operations and familiarize herself with garage workflows.
- Friday, September 11: The official Rookie Test Day, featuring crucial on-track running concluding at approximately 4:00 PM.
This coveted invitation highlights Kapoor’s impressive championship-leading run with World Speed Motorsports, providing her with a crucial opportunity to demonstrate her physical preparation and driving prowess on the global stage.
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