Collin Daley shines in Formula test

If everything goes according to plan then Red Bull driver, Jamaica's 14-year-old Collin Daley Jr, could soon be racing competitively in Europe.

"He may compete in one of three classes - Formula 3, BMW or Formula Renault," said Peter Moodie Sr., who returned last Friday from Estoril, Portugal, where the St Georges' College schoolboy had gone to test-drive a Formula car, courtesy of Red Bull.

While Moodie and others are in the process of negotiating with an entity in the United States to continue providing further training for Daley, the first-class mechanic hopes that by 2013 young Daley will be ready to be relocated to Europe.

Daley, who currently competes in the Rotax Junior Class of the Jamaica Karting Association (JKA) championship, was among four other boys tested by Koiranen Brothers Motorsports team, which was contracted by Red Bull. The other young drivers were Stetan Wakerbaer of Germany, Alec Albon of Thailand and Collan Okesse of South Africa.

Koiranen Motorsport, established in 1997, is one of the leading teams in the European Formula Renault 2.0 series. Their website states that nearly 80 per cent of Formula drivers have been through their programme.

The team has a respectable history of training young drivers on their way to the highest levels of car racing. For example, current Williams F1 test-driver Valtteri Bottas and, most recently, 2010 Eurocup Champion Kevin Korjus have been through their system. Their goal is to keep Koiranen in international championships, among Europe's most respected teams.

Moodie stressed that during his short stint in Portugal, Daley, who had never driven that level of race car before, excelled beyond all expectations. "The Koiranen Motorsport representatives said he is one of the most talented 14 year-olds they have ever seen," said Moodie.

"Collin offered his sincere appreciation to Red Bull International for the wonderful opportunity which has given him the wings to achieve his goals, as well as to the JKA, NGRacing (New Generation Racing) and all those who had supported him," Moodie said.