KENT: Making a career out of motorsports is a risky business but Jazeman Jaafar is prepared to take the gamble as he pursues his ultimate goal to break into Formula 1.
And to show he is dead serious on achieving his childhood dream, Jazeman is giving up the chance to pursue an academic career and commit to full time duties as a racer for the next few years.
The 19-year-old, who is now based in London, is enjoying his strongest campaign yet in the British Formula 3 International Series and is leading the championship at the half-way stage.
Jazeman, who enjoyed breakthrough results with race wins at the French city of Pau and at Brands Hatch in England, has secured eight podium finishes so far this season.
Jazeman, who is part of the Petronas Talent Development programme, has also entered four legs of the F3 Euro International Series this year.
Altogether, he will have competed in more than 30 races by the end of this year and said it is crucial for him to give 100% commitment if he is to make his mark.
Jazeman will also be moving up to the more challenging World Series by Renault next year and it will be the survival of the fittest as he goes up against other young Formula 1 hopefuls.
“It was way too difficult to juggle between studies and training when I first started the series. It came to a point when I had to miss training because of exams and things like that.”
“I like graphic design but I can always study at any age whereas I can’t race at any age. The next few years I need to prepare and plan well if I am to move up the ranks to eventually get into Formula 1.
“And it’s not just getting there but to be a successful driver for many years. I am giving myself, like four to five years to get into Formula 1. It’s a tough route to take but I am taking up the challenge as racing has been something I wanted to do since I was six,” said Jazeman, who became the youngest and only Malaysian winner of the Formula BMW Asia Pacific (now known as the JK Asia Racing series) in 2007.
It is not just about developing his motor-racing skills but to stick to a strict diet and to give up any thoughts of enjoying the night life in Europe.
And his coach of five years Bruce Jouanny can attest to this fact.
“His life is boring as it has lots of physical preparation and conditioning when he is not behind the wheels. Jazeman has spent three years in the British F3 series and it is time for him to move on. He already proved what he is capable of and now he has to get ready for the next stage of his career.
“Jazeman needs to step up his physical training over the winter break and he has five more kilograms to put on as the cars are heavier. The good thing about him is his determination. He has the natural ability to drive in the first place and has improved on his aggression to win races.
“Jazeman has the right package to realise his goal to become a Formula 1 driver and now it’s about working on improving certain areas to get him there,” said Jouanny.