The Japanese racer has a strong and extensive karting background, both in Europe and Japan, and looks forward to his first season competing in single seater racing. In anticipation, Bolger has used the 2020 season to his advantage taking on a test programme with the team in his Formula 4 car.
Bolger, born in Tokyo, enjoyed a great karting career highlighted with his 2018 season which included placing 1st in Japan’s kart racer rankings and 29th in IAME’s Junior X30 world rankings – alongside podium finishes in the British, LGM and Japanese kart series. Pre-pandemic Dougie placed 3rd overall in the PFI Winter Series kart series in March, before starting on his single-seater journey with Carlin over the course of the year.
Bolger said, “It’s amazing to finally confirm the news. I’m so excited to be with Carlin, especially with all the history and success they have as a team. I feel honoured to become a part of that story. I have tested at a few tracks already with the team, but I’m looking forward to getting into it properly and visiting some new circuits like Croft and Knockhill. The UK has so many great and interesting circuits. Driving in F4 is something I couldn’t imagine a few years ago, but in testing I felt very comfortable. I will be pushing every day with the team, Kokoro Performance, and Formula to Perform to be at the front at Thruxton!”
Trevor Carlin added, “I’m delighted that Dougie will continue with the team, having completed a test programme with us in 2020. Dougie is just at the start of his career but is quickly learning and improving behind the wheel of the F4 car. Learning the ins and outs of race weekend will be the next challenge but Dougie has a great team around him and the right attitude to be able to handle these challenges. I’m really looking forward to seeing him grow as a driver when the season kicks off in May.”
With a testing programme lined up, Bolger’s first taste of racing action will be when the season kick starts in May at Thruxton.