Nabil Jeffri has just been confirmed as Eurointernational’s lead driver and will use #1 on his car for the 2012 Season of JK Racing Asia Series.

“I am definitely proud to receive this honour and it will add to the pressure for me to perform but it will also help to motivate me as it is my aim to win the Championship this season” said Jeffri during the media launch held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday.

“What makes me even more proud is the fact that the team has placed me as their main driver” added Jeffri, who is the first Asian driver selected by the Internationally acclaimed team. 

The launch was witnessed by the Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sports, Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Eurointernational, Akademi Kemahiran Belia Motorsport (a motorsport academy for youths), Ministry of Youth and Sports; and Comma Motorsports (Jeffri’s management team).

Within the memorandum, Eurointernational will place two students and a lecturer from the motorsport academy as part of their race crew in support of Jeffri during the Season. Through this partnership, the students will be able to gain on the job experience and learn the work ethics of the best European team.  

The 18 year old placed fifth overall in his first season in 2010, and dreams of being in Formula 1 one day. Last year, he finished the JK Racing Asia Series third overall, winning one race and finishing ten races on the podium.

He obtained his first win during the JK Racing Asia Series 2011 Season Opener at the Sepang International Circuit when it was held in support of the 2011 Petronas Formula 1 Malaysia Grand Prix.

Jeffri says of his experience, “my worst race experience was at the Sentul Circuit in Indonesia. Nothing went according to plan and the whole team was wrestling with issues throughout the whole weekend.

“Nevertheless, during the final race of the weekend, we overcame all obstacles but it was too late. No doubt that was the biggest disappointment I faced last Season” said the youngster who made history when he became the youngest driver awarded with a Formula 1 test at the age of 16 years, 10 months and 7 days, on the 1st September 2010 in Duxford, Britain.

In his third year, Jeffri is confident that he will be able to emulate his predecessor, Austrian Lucas Auer, who became the JK Racing Asia Series Champion in 2011 and helped Eurointernational to clinch the Team Championship.

According to Jeffri, he underwent a two-day test session at the Varano Circuit in Italy last month and felt at ease with all crew members and his new craft.

“Everything went smoothly and I felt the teamwork. We have a great team with a great crew that is full of experience. I not only hope to win the Championship this year but I also hope to gain as many wins as possible” he added.

The 2012 JK Racing Asia Series Season will kick off in Sepang for Rounds 1-4 from the 25th to 27th May 2012 before heading off to Europe for the first time to Paul Ricard, France for Rounds 5-6 on 29th June to 1st July and Spa Francorchamps, Belgium for Rounds 7-8 on 27th to 29th  July.

The Season will then return to Asia to complete its 16 Rounds season at Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore and Buddh International Circuit in India.

The biggest challenge for Jeffri will be the two European weekends which will be his first experience at the circuits.

“Honestly, I have to say, those two weekends will be the most challenging for me but it will also be the two weekends that I am looking forward to. The two circuits are two of the best in Europe which many Formula 1 Champions have competed at.

“As a whole, the 2012 Season will be a great one but it will also be really challenging for me. There are many talented drivers including a few second year drivers, but I am in my third year which will give me an added advantage” said Jeffri.

Prepared by Comma Motorsports

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