An 18-year-old motorhead from Whyteleafe has been handpicked to join an elite group of drivers ahead of partnering Sir Chris Hoy in Le Mans later this year.

Charlie Robertson was selected by the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) as part of their “SuperStars” programme.

The programme is designed to push young drivers onto the next stage in their careers with a series of specialised training sessions.

He said: “It really is a huge honour to be named as part of the BRDC SuperStars, I can’t quite believe it.

“It really is awesome but quite unexpected as well. I certainly aim to make the most of the opportunity and to repay the faith shown in me.”

The selection for the programme caps off an impressive 12 months of racing for the teenager and will see him training with other promising drivers.

He won the Michelin Ginetta GT4 SuperCup and won a number of races when competing in the BRDC Formula Four Championship.

He said: “As the only sportscar driver in the SuperStars, it proves the BRDC regards me quite highly which is a real accolade and a huge boost ahead of such an important year in my career.”

Robertson can now look forward to teaming up with Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy as the pair prepare for the European Le Mans Series in April.

The teenager said: “It’s going to be awesome racing in the European Le Mans Series this year, especially working with Sir Chris – that’s going to be really cool.

“I'm really looking forward to getting things underway, it feels like so long since the announcement was made before Christmas.

“I'm absolutely itching to be back in the seat, this is such an exciting new chapter in my career.”