Lotus Racing steps up junior driver development
Lotus Racing today demonstrated another statement of intent in their commitment to help develop local motorsports talent. Sixteen-year-old Malaysian karting prodigy Nabil Jeffri, who current plies his trade in Formula BMW Pacific, will make a small step up by driving for the Lotus F1 team in an aero test.
The youngster’s entry into the world of motorsports was through the AirAsia ASEAN Driver Development Program, created with the objective of providing aspiring drivers the opportunity to hone their skills and set them on their way to the top.
Nabil said “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to drive for Lotus Racing in the aero test. It’s a big privilege to gain driving experience with the most promising new F1™ team. Driving the Lotus Racing car will definitely be a priceless exposure to the F1™ driving experience, and I’m looking forward to many more similar opportunities to arise as a result of being part of the AirAsia Driver Development program.”
Lotus Racing Team Principal Tony Fernandes commented: “It’s an exciting day for all of us in the Lotus Racing team – being able to give bright young talent like Nabil the chance to play an integral role in the development of our team is a recognition of his burgeoning talent, and shows that there is a clear route to the top rung of the motorsport ladder, no matter how old you are or where you are racing. I’m sure that before he gets in the hot seat he’ll be speaking to Fairuz Fauzy for some advice – Fairuz is another Malaysian sports star who, as our third driver, is showing at tracks around the world that you can reach the top if you work hard to achieve your dreams – together, they serve as inspirations to everyone in our team, and to young talent all over the world.”
