SEAN Walkinshaw is backing his new batch of rookies to make an impact in the Formula 4 Championship after completing his driver line-up.

Jordan Albert, from Silverstone, has agreed to join the Chipping Norton-based Sean Walkinshaw Racing (SWR) for this season.

The 17-year-old joins Venezuela’s Diego Borrelli and Danish youngster Nicolas Beer ahead of the first three rounds, at Silverstone on April 26-27.

Walkinshaw, the team’s owner, had success with inexperienced drivers in the inaugural F4 championship last year, claiming four wins and seven other podium finishes.

And he is hoping the new trio will push each other on during the season.

He said: “We’re delighted to complete our three car line-up with Jordan and we’re confident he’ll make strong progress during the new season.

“Last season was fantastic for the team, we had a great year with a lot of success and we’ll be pushing as hard as ever to fight for the podium.”

Albert has just a single year of motor racing under his belt.

It was a varied season, which included a podium finish in the Mazda MX-5 Championship in his sole weekend and he also had a top three finish in the Volkswagen-based Fun Cup.

He said: “It’s going to be a very competitive season, there are some highly experienced drivers in the championship, but I know SWR will give me a fantastic car.

“I can’t wait for the first round at Silverstone, racing on the Grand Prix circuit really will be a dream come true – especially being from Silverstone.”