Mansfield's Phil Hall selected for elite motorsport scheme

Phil Hall will fine-tune his skills with the elite.

The Motorsport UK Academy is a talent development pathway that equips the UK’s most promising young drivers and co-drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to maximise their performance.

Hall, an RAF Reservist, joined the Academy programme in 2015, and has benefitted from the support throughout his career.

Team UK is the pinnacle of the talent development pathway, consisting of a national squad of elite competitors, hand-picked to receive a bespoke one-to-one performance management programme as they progress towards the sport’s top levels.

"I`m extremely proud to be recognised for my efforts in the sport at this level,” said Hall.

“I’ve been working hard throughout my career to progress into the top-flight of the sport and that has offered me opportunities to co-drive across the world. But having the support of a programme such as Team UK will enable me to reach new heights with my skills, fitness and performance which is a real privilege”.

Hall has been a regular in the World Rally Championship over the past few years, after debuting in Australia in 2015. Like many, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Hall out of the co-drivers seat last season but has been working hard behind the scenes to return to active competition in the near future.

New for 2021, Team UK has introduced a co-driving category which will see the two selected athletes have access to a co-driver mentor. In his case, Hall will be able to tap into the experience and skills of front-running WRC co-driver Seb Marshall.

"I'm really looking forward to getting started on the programme” he continues.

“Team UK is a valuable opportunity and a very prestigious project to be part of. It’s an exciting progression for my career and it will be great to learn from Seb [Marshall] and the Academy team as I continue to climb the WRC ladder.”

Motorsport UK Competitors Pathway Manager Katie Baldwin highlighted the new developments in the Motorsport UK talent development programme, and Hall’s hard work to reach this elite level.

“I would like to congratulate Phil on his selection into the Motorsport UK Academy; Team UK programme” she said.

“It’s an exciting time for the Motorsport UK Academy having taken time to review and develop some areas for 2021 -the inclusion of a co-driver strand being one of those areas. Phil has shown hard work, skill and great commitment in order to gain a place on this year’s programme and I hope that it provides beneficial support, guidance and training opportunities to support Phil’s co-driving career.”

Hall has built his career from grassroots rallying with support from RAF Motor Sports Association. The RAF Motorsports Chairman, Gp Capt Watson said: “My congratulations go to Cpl Hall on this very significant achievement which is just reward for his hard work.”