On the fast track to success

It all dates back to 2005 when seven-year-old Jehan Daruvala was fascinated by the fun, thrilling rides at the karting track in Chembur, Mumbai. Jehan pestered his father to find out if he too could participate in such competitive races. Little did Jehan or his family know that the turning point of his life would arrive in April 2009, when he got selected for his first karting race by Rayomand Banajee, as part of his team for the JK Tyre Championship in the micro-max category. Ever since, there has been no looking back. Of the 45 races last year, he won four, reached podium 12 times, got pole position twice and did the fastest race laps five times.

“Things changed after I attended Rayo’s workshop at Powai. From the moment I competed in my first race, I knew this was what I wanted,” adds the 18-year-old.

Initially, his parents were apprehensive because the sport involves risking life. But Daruvala’s resilience made way for their wholehearted support.

Racing and robust engines

The 18-year-old, who will be appearing for his Class XII exams this year doesn’t feel he is missing out on schooling. In fact, he considers himself more fortunate than his batchmates, since he is pursuing his dreams along with his studies. Talking about his favourite subject, he shares that he enjoys Accounts the most.

He says, “When I come to India I don’t drive on the race tracks.” Here, his schedule is packed with workouts (sometimes twice a day), studying and spending time with friends.

Remembering his fondest memory of winning the KF3 British Karting Championship in 2013, he shares that although his transition from karting to Formula (Renault) race was huge, the experience of international karting contributed to a smoother transition. “Everything was different — driving style, braking techniques, etc. It took some time for me to get used to the low sitting position in single seaters due to lack of visibility,” explains Daruvala.

Prior to every race, he visualises his race depending on what position he’s starting at and discusses all the possible scenarios with his driver coach Pieter Belmans. He also ensures he does a physical warm up with his trainer (Pioneered Athlete Performance) before getting into the car.

Much-awaited debut in F3

“The downforce and grip levels in Formula 3 are very different from anything I have done before. Adapting to different driving techniques will be an important step in my development as a driver,” says Daruvala, who considers Fernando Alonso and Ayrton Senna among his all time favourites. “You are always trying to set the benchmark higher and dealing with the pressure along the way,” he adds.

To keep the budgets low, F3 regulations has a strict ban on testing. From December 15, 2016 till the end of the season in October 2017 they will not be allowed to test for more than 12 days in an F3 car.

So racers will be working on improving their driving skills in the 30 F3 races they have over 10 race weekends during the year along with the test day.

“The Carlin team has a fantastic history in motorsport and is one of the more competitive teams in Formula 3. 2016 was a difficult year for them, but they are determined to challenge the championship in 2017 by choosing the best driver line-up possible,” says Daruvala, who is happy to be a part of this team.

Future plans

After F3, Daruvala plans to move to GP3 / GP2 before making it to F1. “My childhood dream has always been to drive in F1,” he adds. He aims to pursue motor racing as a career. “I believe that with a lot of hard work and determination, I will become a professional racing driver,” he shares.

MUMBAI CONNECT

Jehan was a student of Bombay Scottish School, Mumbai, but had to leave half way through his Class IX as he moved to the UK. He completed his GCSE in the UK, in 2015, which is the equivalent of Class X boards in India. He is still based out of the UK, and travels to India to spend time with his family. The year before he moved to the UK, Jehan used to travel every month to compete in karting championships.