As the year closes, it’s not the last time we hear a Filipino racer venturing into motorsports abroad. After recruiting Bianca Bustamante for the Macau Grand Prix, Hong Kong-based team BlackArts Racing has brought in Iñigo Anton for the final round of the 2023 Formula 4 South East Asia Championship in Sepang, Malaysia.

The 19-year-old rising rookie from Baguio has been making strides in the local motorsport scene, taking the top spot in the Philippine Grand Touring Championships, the Toyota GR Vios Cup, the Formula V1 Series, and the Radical Challenge. He even participated in e-motorsport competitions, from the WEC-sanctioned Le Mans Virtual to the Olympic Esports Series.

Sponsors—such as Motul Philippines, Alpinestars Philippines, and Time Master Watches—took further notice of Anton after witnessing the viral heel-and-toe video last year. Consequently, they helped in bringing his dream to the regional stage.

“Iñigo Anton is one of the most talented drivers I’ve worked with,” according to BlackArts manager Alex Yoong. “I’m super excited to see if he can now succeed with single-seaters in the future. For now, it’s a big step with practically no testing except on the simulator, so it will be a huge learning curve for him.”

The final race of the F4 SEA Championship will be held at the Sepang International Circuit on December 1-3, with Anton competing alongside another Filipino driver, Joaquin Garrido.