Lance Stroll has been inducted in to the British Racing Drivers’ Club’s Rising Stars programme. The 17-year-old Canadian who currently leads the FIA European Formula 3 Championship is eligible for membership due to him being born in a Commonwealth country.

The Silverstone-based BRDC is, arguably, the most exclusive club in motor racing. With a membership that numbers only 850, it is home to the most successful racing drivers from Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Those who have met the exacting entry criteria have achieved at the highest levels of the sport, or made a significant contribution to enable others to do so.

The BRDC, which owns and operates Silverstone, takes its responsibility as ‘guardians of British motor sport’ very seriously. In addition to maintaining and operating the only circuit currently licensed to run a Grand Prix in Great Britain, the BRDC has for many years fostered young driver talent. Monitored from trackside, BRDC Rising Stars are in effect “Junior Members” of the Club, all taking their motor racing very seriously and all aiming for a professional career within the sport.

BRDC Rising Stars has a proven track record of selecting only the best of individuals with triple Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton MBE being a particular success story from the Rising Star scheme’s history. Once scouted by a member of the ‘Rising Stars Scouts Panel’, a driver is invited to Silverstone for an informal meeting – which Lance attended this week (26 May).

Following the interview Stroll, a Williams Martini Racing Young Driver Development Programme member, was invited to become a Rising Star, and providing his career continues with upward momentum, has the ability to stay on the scheme until his 24th birthday.

“I am delighted to have been selected as a BRDC Rising Star. It’s a significant moment in my career and makes me extremely proud to be associated with such a world-famous organisation. I aim to represent the BRDC to the best of my ability for the remainder of the FIA European Formula 3 Championship season.”

Luke Evans, BRDC Assistant Club Secretary:

“The BRDC have followed Lance’s progress and are delighted to see that his talent is frequently being converted into podium finishes. We are very confident that he will achieve the criteria required to become a Full BRDC Member. His enthusiasm for the Club and its rich history was very impressive when he met with myself and (BRDC Member and Rising Star Scout) David Brodie at the BRDC Clubhouse. It is hoped that the expertise within the Club may be able to assist Lance in his career development and we wish him the best of luck for the future.”