Mercedes evaluating Malaysia’s Jaafar

Leading young Malaysian international racing driver, Jazeman Jaafar, was behind the wheel of a MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS 2011 W02 Formula One car yesterday, for a driver evaluation test. A PETRONAS Talent Development Programme driver, Jazeman, is fortunate to have the support of PETRONAS and with this, benefits from the company’s partnership with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.

The PETRONAS Talent Development Programme is designed to nurture and develop young motor racing talents and for Jazeman PETRONAS has provided him with the chance to learn from driving the most sophisticated racing car in highly realistic conditions and the environment he would be working in if he was successful enough to progress his career into F1.

Jazeman says, “On the two other occasions I have driven this car I was limited – in KL by the kerbs of the city streets and the closeness of the spectators and last time, by the need for consistent running focusing on filming. Today it was different again. I have worked through a schedule of development with myself and the car which has meant that I’ve been able to progressively put the power down more and more and really start to understand the car, build a relationship with the engineers and how they work, and with more mileage, get to grips with the handling of the car – within the constraints of what is possible running on Pirelli promotional tyres.”

Jazeman racked up the miles on the Silverstone circuit, the home of the Formula One British Grand Prix, with the engineering staff working with Jazeman to make changes to the car to suit the track conditions and adapt the car set up. Throughout the day the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS key team personnel evaluated Jazeman’s performance as a young, up-and-coming driver.

Jazeman is a few years off the potential opportunity of racing in F1 as he’s still young and learning his race skills in the lower categories of single seater motor racing, but having the chance to drive an F1 car, work with the world’s best motor racing engineers on a top circuit is a massive boost to his racing education.

The huge grin on Jazeman’s face as he climbed out of the car at the end of the day said it all. He adds, “Wow, what a day. It’s such a great car to drive, so responsive, amazing brakes, so agile, it’s just such a buzz. I have always known I want to reach the height of F1 but if I had any doubts, after today, I just want it even more. I would like to give a huge thanks to MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS for giving me the opportunity and to PETRONAS for their loyal support, it’s been a very special day which I will remember for a very long time. “

Jazeman has a few months to wait until he’s back in a race car, but the 2014 season can’t come soon enough for this young talented driver who has only one goal in life and that’s to be in F1.