Irish motorsport will have two strong stories to follow this week, with Alex Dunne securing new international backing for his Formula 2 campaign and Laura O’Connell preparing to fly the flag as the sole Irish driver in action at Oulton Park in the Radical Cup UK.
Ebury, the global financial solutions firm, has announced a new sponsorship of Dunne following his recent signing to the Alpine Academy, another important step in the development of one of Ireland’s most exciting emerging racing talents.
Dunne will continue to race for Rodin Motorsport in the 2026 season, with the Ebury logo appearing on the side of his car’s front wing.
The partnership comes at a pivotal stage in the 20-year-old’s career, building on a breakthrough 2025 Formula 2 campaign in which he secured two race wins, two pole positions and eight podium finishes.
He also gained valuable Formula 1 experience through Practice 1 sessions with McLaren, further underlining the level of potential that has put him firmly on the radar at the top end of the sport.
For Ebury, the partnership is about aligning with a young athlete on a global growth journey, one that mirrors the company’s own work in helping businesses to unlock international potential.
“There is nothing more exciting than joining a journey at the beginning,” said Peter Brooks, Co-Global Head of Sport at Ebury.
“For us, the opportunity to work with Alex as he climbs the ranks of motorsport is seen as an investment in the career of a future star. As a company that helps businesses on their growth journey, we are excited to be able to play a part in Alex’s too.”
Maurits Zwart, Co-Global Head of Sport at Ebury, added: “Extending our sports partnerships is essential to the growth of our brand globally. The opportunity to join Alex’s journey for the 2026 season is extremely exciting, and we wish him all the best over the next nine months.”
Dunne welcomed the support as another boost at an important time in his career.
“I’m really happy to have a global company as big as Ebury join me at this early stage in my career,” said Alex Dunne.
“Their confidence, trust and support in me has been incredible. While Ebury continues to quickly innovate and provide new solutions to international payments, I will do my best to provide results on track.”
While Dunne continues his climb through the international single-seater ranks, Clare driver Laura O’Connell is also making her mark in the UK, preparing for round two of the Radical Cup UK at Oulton Park International this Saturday, June 20.
O’Connell made her solo debut in the Radical Cup with RJ Motorsport at Brands Hatch in May and will now look to build on that experience at a circuit she has not previously raced.
The Oulton Park round will feature a 25-minute qualifying session followed by a 50-minute endurance race, placing a premium on quick adaptation, race strategy and focus around a circuit known for high-speed blind corners and limited margin for error.
O’Connell will be the sole Irish competitor on the grid, continuing a season in which she is seeking to develop her race craft at unfamiliar tracks while also targeting a first podium in Radical Cup competition.
Her opening race weekend was made more challenging by the death of her grandfather just days before she was due to race at Brands Hatch, but she still took important experience from her first outing in the series.
“The first race was definitely an eye-opener for me,” said Laura O’Connell.
“I was racing on the amazing Brands Hatch GP track for the first time, and I had to adapt to it quickly. The Radical Cup is a real change of pace from what I’ve raced in before. There are some great drivers in the competition.
“Each race is another step along the path of my development and seeing GP greats like Valentino Rossi and Arthur Leclerc walking the same paddock as me at Brands Hatch only makes me more motivated.”
Looking ahead to Oulton Park, she added: “Oulton Park will be a new track for me, and I will have to get to grips with it as best as I can during testing.
“The circuit is known for its unpredictable corners, and I’ll have to be switched on from the first light to the chequered flag to put my name in the ring.”
O’Connell will be familiar to many in the Sport for Business community, having been one of the standout voices in the spotlight session at last December’s Sport for Business Women in Sport Conference, held in partnership with Lidl.
Her story of progression, persistence and ambition in motorsport resonated strongly on the day, and her continued rise through competitive racing adds another positive strand to the growing Irish motorsport narrative.
Between Dunne’s progress towards the highest levels of the sport and O’Connell’s determination to carve out her place in one of the UK’s most competitive racing environments, Irish motorsport has two young drivers carrying momentum, ambition and commercial interest into an important summer of racing.
Mondello Park and Red Bull are full members of Sport for Business
If you would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.
Image Credit: Sport for Business
ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS
Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies, and public institutions through high-quality content, events, and insights.
Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.
Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practices, and make better-informed decisions. It positions sport not just as entertainment but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
