Matt Parry began his motor racing career in 2002, at the age of eight. Alongside his father, he got his start on two-wheels.

”I actually started motocross as a hobby with my fancy dad. As time progressed, I thought I might prefer karting. Back then, it was just something to enjoy, but in picking up trophies, we decided to aim higher. Since then, things have become more serious and I got some very good results in my first year in Rotax Max Junior, finishing second in the British and world championships. In 2010, I passed my GCSE while also winning the national championship. This was my goal before moving on to single-seaters.”

The Welsh driver then moved on to Formula Ford. The lone driver in his team, he was among the best rookies with eighth place overall before joining Fortec Motorsports to compete in the InterSteps Championship. He dominated the category, taking 13 victories and 21 podium results in 23 races.

”I learned a lot in my first year although it was tricky. My relationship with Fortec then started. They are an incredibly fantastic team, they took me to another level, allowing me to quickly get to grips to the car despite the limited tests during the winter. We won the title quite early on in the season, which was fantastic.”

Meanwhile, Caterham brought the newly crowned champion into its young driver programme, the Caterham Racing Academy. The relationship continues today, as does that of the one that links him to his country via the Sport Wales programme.

”I have been with Caterham since 2012 and they have been fantastic with me. Not only have they helped me find the right path towards F1, they have also provided financial support, which is massive in our sport. They offer everything a young driver needs to succeed. I hope our relationship will continue throughout my career.”

”Through the Sport Wales ‘Elite Cymru’ programme, Wales has given us terrific support with access to their infrastructures. They recognize motor racing as a real sport! Being a Welsh driver, it is an honour to receive such recognition, because they realize just how much we work and how hard it is to obtain a budget. Racing is a full-time job and they are trying to get everything motorsports drivers need!”

In 2013, Matt Parry joined the F1 access academy proposed by Renault Sport Technologies via the Formula Renault 2.0. With Fortec Motorsports, he enjoyed more success in the North European Cup where he brought the honours home to Great Britain.

”Continuity was important in order to grow as a team and maintain the same environment. They did an amazing job, we were fast, straight away, everywhere. One of the highlights was at the Nürburgring. Several drivers from the Eurocup came to us, but we still won the two races!”

”Thanks to my results, I’ve been chosen into the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award finalists, which is a major honour for a British driver to be picked up on that as the last 24 winners include Jenson Button, Paul di Resta and several F1, DTM and LMP1 drivers…professional drivers! Finally, I won the NEC title, then the Award shootout and I’ve been the 25th winner which is the biggest thing I won in my career. Thanks to that, I will also be able to test a F1 car, which is a huge thing and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Continuing his progression, Matt Parry has attacked the Eurocup since the start of the year. While he had to wait until June and the round at the Moscow Raceway to take his first podium result, the native of Cardiff remains confident about his chances for the title.

”The move to the Eurocup was the natural progression. We had a difficult start to the season to say the least! We couldn’t make the most of qualifying at Motorland and I had an accident during practice at Spa. Thus, I had to make up ground, and we are all so close in the Eurocup that you have to make sure to get the most out of the track time. It all came together for us at Moscow. This podium re-started our season and it will still be difficult to catch the leaders, but anything can happen. We have to win races and that’s all we can do to get back up there.”

Matt Parry
Born: 14 January 1994 in Cardiff (Wales)
2006-2010: Karting
2011: Formula Ford GB (8e)
2012: InterSteps Championship (Champion)
2013: Formula Renault 2.0 North European Cup (Champion)
2014: Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0