Nabil Jeffri with Alex Yoong
Press Release:
NABIL JEFFRI is taking a huge step closer to the Formula1 but thankfully he has Malaysia’s only Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong for guidance.
The 16-year-old Kuala Lumpur born go-karter has confirmed his participation in the 2010 Formula BMW Pacific season, his maiden single seater season.
The long awaited decision was finally made after the reigning 2009 Malaysian and Asian Rotax Max Challenge Junior category champion signed with one of the top F-BMW teams Eurasia Motorsport last week to book his spot on the grid.
Interestingly, Nabil starts his “car-season” as one of the drivers “Being looked at by Lotus Racing”.
Ensuring his transition from kart to car is a smooth one, is ex-Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong, who “has been acting as a driver coach”.
“Nabil is a good, intelligent driver however new drivers need to get the art right to ensure positive steady progress throughout their racing career,” said Alex.
As for Nabil, working with Alex is almost like a dream come true.
“I am excited to start my season and honoured to be working with Alex who has been an inspiration to me during karting days. During my initial test session, it was easy to work with the team and the engineers thanks to him,” said Nabil.
“However, it will be a steep learning curve for me as there is a lot to know as a beginner,” said Nabil.
Nabil, who finished sixth out of 72 drivers from around the world in 2009 Rotax Max World Grand finals in Eygpt, is modest of his overall chances but is very determined to make a good impression.
“It’s going to be a hard year, I’m aiming to be competitive right from the beginning of the F-BMW series which means a lot of practice and getting even fitter than I am now. I’ve also got my exams this year and will continue to race karts to help my fitness and race sharpness so I’ll need to be very disciplined” he said at Sepang after the signing.
The first round of the 2010 FBMW Pacific season will be a support race during the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit on April 3-4.
“Making my debut in a Formula 1 weekend is another dream come true for me and I am determined to give my best in front of the home crowd. Hopefully, it is the beginning of a glorious racing career,” said Nabil.
“The series is also going to the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore and the also debuting in the brand new Korean International Circuit track in South Korea which is very cool,” he sa