PETRONAS Motorsports
Talent Development Initiatives
Driver Profile: Jazeman Jaafar
Season 2011


Jazeman the driver

After his first visit to a go-kart track at the age of six, Jazeman began his racing career in earnest at home in Malaysia. Racing competitively in go-karts frm the age of seven, his first victory came when only eight years old, despite being years younger than many of his rivals. His precocious talent was exemplified by the granting of a dispensation for Jazeman to be issued with an International C license at just 12 years old, two years younger than is standard.

This emerging talent has already been noted by Malaysia’s largest motorsport sponsor, PETRONAS, with the corporation backing Jazeman’s career since 2008. As a sponsor of the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS, the association has afforded Jazeman the opportunity to experience the inner workings of a top Formula One outfit and given him a unique insight into the race series he aims to be part of later in his career.



Jazeman, the personality

This aspiring young man is an inspiration to everyone he meets, with his incredible drive and determination, shining through his warm, friendly demeanour. A maturity which belies his years, allied with a wholesome attitude and strong work ethic gives Jazeman a head start as a brand ambassador.
 
Jazeman has a bright, sunny disposition which makes him popular with his engineers, mechanics and teammates. He is well-liked among his fellow drivers and has developed an excellent rapport within the racing community.




Jazeman, One-on-One

It was your first year of F3 in 2010, how big a step was it from Formula BMW?
JJ: Last year was a steep learning  curve, with a bigger, more powerful and more aerodynamic car than I had previously driven. Most of the tracks were new to me as well, so the first part of a weekend was usually learning this before I could focus on developing the car set up. I learnt so much last year and now I need to capitalise on this.

What are your expectations for the second season of racing in F3?
JJ: I’m expecting to be fighting for podiums and wins this season. I’m with a good team, working with an experienced engineer and have the knowledge of last season to take into this year, so there’s no reason why I can’t be pushing for really strong results. I doubt it will be easy as there is a strong field of drivers, but that’s the challenge I’m ready for and I have the confidence and determination to be going out to win each time.

How have you prepared for the new season?
JJ: I’ve focused heavily on improving my fitness, working with my trainers who developed an intensive programme for me in the off season. My fitness training centres on improving my strength, endurance and reaction time  and I’ve certainly noticed a difference over the last few months. I’m fighting fit now and ready for the physical challenges of racing in F3.

What do you need to do to be winning in F3?
JJ: British F3 is probably one of the most competitive single-seater championships around at the moment, with some very experienced drivers, top teams and some of the most challenging race tracks in Europe. Beating a field of talented driver takes a combination of elements –the car needs to have a good set up which suits the track for qualifying and suits a longer distance for the races. For this to be right it needs the engineer and driver to work well together and in tune with each other. I need to be fit enough to cope with the physical strain on my body and the mental stress of racing and have the level of race craft needed to put together the best laps possible in qualifying, and use my driving skills to best advantage during the race when you are needing to overtake and stay ahead of your rivals. It needs everything to come together to create a winning combination.



Jazeman Racing Career