Maltese driver Keith Camilleri’s dream of competing in Formula 4 this season hangs in the balance, as he has not yet managed to raise the €160,000 required to secure his place on the starting grid.

Twenty-one-year-old Camilleri has been selected by the newly-formed Maltese racing team called Malta Formula Racing that was set up with the purpose of competing in the FIA sanctioned Formula 4 Italian championship starting in June.

Speaking to The Malta Independent on Sunday, Mr Camilleri says that he was lucky enough to be chosen by the team to represent Malta, but will only be able to compete if the necessary funding is secured.

“We need sponsors to help in order for me to be able to represent Malta in Formula 4. The funds do not necessarily have to come from one single sponsor, but can come from multiple ones. Every little helps; we will see.

“It is very short notice, as by the end of next week the majority of the funds have to be secured,” Mr Camilleri said.

“We have had a lot of meetings with the government, and I would like to thank the Ministers and the Prime Minister for taking an interest. We have nothing in writing, but there should be some help forthcoming from the government.”

All the races will be transmitted live on Rai Uno, providing wide coverage to potential sponsors.

The budding F4 driver has already successfully completed a test in a Formula 3 car.

“I was tested in a Formula 3 car for the team to be able to evaluate my strength. I drove a Formula 3 car because it has more downforce, so if you can physically drive a Formula 3 car you can drive a Formula 4 car.”

“It went well but I need to build up more strength in my neck. The F4 car is a 160hp 1.4 turbo open wheeler, and I will be subjected to strong g-forces. You have to be well-trained.”

Mr Camilleri goes to the gym five times a week, alternating between resistance and cardiovascular training in order to prepare himself for the challenges of F4.

Mr Camilleri says that the Malta Formula Racing is even willing to finance the building of a racing track in Malta, and all it needs is the land and permits from the government.