South African karting talent Gianna Pascoal will make her GB4 Championship debut with Pace Performance during the inaugural Winter Series at Snetterton on 24–25 October 2026, marking an important step in her transition to single-seater racing.
The 16-year-old joins the British team following a successful karting career, which has included runner-up finishes in South Africa’s ROK and Rotax National Series, alongside appearances in major international competitions. She has also gained experience in Formula 4 machinery through the More Than Equal Driver Development Programme and South Africa’s MSA4 Championship.
Now, Pascoal will make her European single-seater racing debut with a Pace Performance operation that enjoyed a successful second GB4 season in 2026, securing four race victories and four additional podium finishes.
Pascoal progresses from South African karting to single-seaters
Pascoal began her motorsport career at the age of 11, receiving support from four-time world karting champion Wesleigh Orr as she developed her skills in South Africa’s national karting competitions.
She subsequently established herself among the country’s leading young competitors, securing second place in both the ROK and Rotax National Series. Those performances provided a foundation for her progression into international karting, where she gained experience against drivers from different racing backgrounds.
Her achievements also included becoming the first South African female driver selected for the senior category of the FIA Karting Academy. Furthermore, Pascoal competed internationally in the ROK Cup Superfinal and WSK Super Master Series, gaining exposure to some of karting’s most competitive events.
Having developed her racecraft through national and international competition, the teenager has increasingly focussed on making the transition into single-seater machinery. Her participation in South Africa’s MSA4 Championship has already provided experience of formula cars, while her involvement in an international driver development programme has strengthened her preparation.
More Than Equal programme supports Pascoal’s development
Pascoal’s progression attracted the attention of More Than Equal, which selected her for its Driver Development Programme in January 2026.
The initiative, co-founded by former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard and entrepreneur Karel Komárek, aims to identify and develop promising female racing talent through structured technical, physical and mental preparation.
Pascoal joined the programme alongside four other newly selected drivers, gaining access to specialist coaching and opportunities to develop her skills beyond karting.
In February, she participated in a three-day development camp at Blyton Park, where drivers undertook simulator training, physical preparation and extensive running in Ginetta machinery. Coaches Jordan King and Sarah Moore supported the participants as they worked on braking technique, weight transfer and technical feedback.
Pascoal subsequently joined fellow development drivers Ivonn Simeonova and Alexia Danielsson for a two-day Formula 4 test at Pembrey Circuit on 30–31 March.
The programme allowed her to build on her earlier car racing experience while adapting to the additional demands of single-seater machinery. Alongside the on-track running, Pascoal continued developing her approach to data analysis, physical conditioning and technical communication.
These opportunities have provided valuable preparation as she approaches her first competitive GB4 weekend, where she will face drivers with varying levels of single-seater experience.
Pace Performance welcomes Pascoal following successful 2026 season
Pascoal joins Pace Performance after the Shropshire-based outfit established itself as a regular front-running contender during its second GB4 campaign.
The team secured four race victories and four additional podium finishes during 2026, with Josh McLean delivering all four wins. Meanwhile, Torrin Byrne contributed three podium finishes, while John O’Donnell added another at Donington Park.
One of the team’s significant achievements came at Snetterton, where McLean claimed victory in the championship’s 100th race. The result demonstrated Pace Performance’s progress since entering single-seater competition in 2025.
Furthermore, the team has already confirmed plans to expand into GB3 for 2027, reflecting its continued development within the British motorsport ladder.
Pascoal will join a Winter Series line-up that also includes William Rohan, who made his GB4 debut earlier in 2026, and Alexander De Benedittis, who will make his first competitive single-seater appearance.
Team Principal Sean Byrne welcomed Pascoal’s arrival, highlighting the experience and enthusiasm she will bring to the team.
“We’re really pleased that Gianna will be racing with Pace Performance for the upcoming GB4 Winter Series. Gianna’s international karting experience coupled with a true passion for racing brings a real high-energy drive, and we’re confident this will be sure to impress on track.”
Pascoal excited ahead of GB4 Winter Series debut
Following the official announcement of her move to Pace Performance, Pascoal expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to compete in the championship’s inaugural Winter Series.
“I’m really excited to be joining Pace Performance for my first Winter Series! I can’t wait to push my limits, test my skills, and see what I can achieve this season. Let’s go!”
Her debut will provide an opportunity to apply the experience she has accumulated through karting, MSA4 competition and More Than Equal’s development activities. However, she will also encounter new challenges as she adapts to the competitive environment of the British championship.
The transition will require Pascoal to develop greater familiarity with the Tatuus MSV GB4-025, particularly its aerodynamic performance, braking characteristics and race procedures.
Nevertheless, her previous single-seater experience should provide a useful foundation as she begins working with Pace Performance ahead of the event.
Snetterton Winter Series offers preparation for 2027
The inaugural GB4 Winter Series will take place at Snetterton’s 300 circuit on 24–25 October, featuring two qualifying sessions and four races across the weekend.
Each day will include a separate qualifying session followed by two races, providing drivers with multiple opportunities to demonstrate their pace and develop their racecraft.
Pre-event testing on Thursday, 22 October, and Friday, 23 October, will also give Pascoal valuable opportunities to familiarise herself with the circuit and her new team before making her competitive debut.
The event represents an important development opportunity for drivers preparing for the 2027 season, particularly those progressing from karting into single-seater competition.
For Pascoal, the weekend will mark another milestone in a career that has already included national karting success, international competition and selection for a global driver development programme.
Although she has yet to confirm her racing plans for 2027, her GB4 debut will provide an opportunity to assess her progress against a competitive single-seater field while continuing to develop the skills necessary for the next stage of her motorsport career.
