Malaysian Sweet 16 - Nabil Jeffri makes F1 history
Nabil Jeffri made history on Wednesday by taking part in straight-line aero testing for the Lotus F1 team at the Imperial War Museum runaway at Duxford, eastern London. This makes the Malaysian the youngest test driver for a registered Formula One team at 16 years, 212 days.
Jeffri who is still too young to drive publically on British roads, makes it big driving at the speed of knots on a Formula One machine. Lotus first team driver Heikki Kovalainen and reserve driver Fairuz Fauzy were present at hand to offer any sort of advice to the youngster.
Part of the AirAsia ASEAN (Association of South East Asia Nations) Driver Development program, Jeffri also participated in pit stop practice with the team.
Jeffri considered this to have been one of the best, most incredible days of his sixteen years existence. The teenager also conceded that the prospect was rather scary to begin with, but the entire package could easily be considered a top, top highlight of any sixteen year olds life – An experience, that will take years to wear off.
"I have to admit the first time I went out it was pretty scary. Everyone told me the acceleration would be unbelievable and the braking would be so much greater than anything I've ever experienced, and it took a while to get used to that," said an excited teenager in a team statement.
Kovalainen revealed that he simply told the young driver to enjoy himself on the track and not to take any added stress to impress. This makes sense, as he just took a baby step towards becoming a Formula 1 driver, it was more important to get a feel of the car before trying anything flashy – You learn to walk before you can run. However, Nabil Jeffri was able to exceed all expectations with a really mature drive. Team owner Tony Fernandes felt that the drive repaid all his faith in the youngster.
"That's a source of real pride for me as he proves what I've always believed - keep dreaming, work hard to achieve what other people tell you is impossible, and your dreams will come true.” said the Lotus owner.
Getting a taste of the ‘real thing’ would enable the youngster to realize that ‘impossible is nothing’. It gives him an idea of what lies ahead of him and that nothing less than pure dedication would get him anywhere near a F1 car cockpit.
Currently, the youngest driver to participate in a Grand Prix is Jaime Alguersuari aged 19 years and 125 days. So the question is, Can Nabil Jeffri give the Toro Rosso driver a run for his money?
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