From Malay Mail · · 2m
Jazeman Jaafar Opens Motorsport Doors for Malaysia
Malaysian motorsport talent gets hands-on F1 exposure through Jazeman Jaafar's program.
In brief
Malaysian motorsport talent gets hands-on F1 exposure through Jazeman Jaafar's program. Jazeman Jaafar, who nearly joined Formula One, runs a program giving Malaysian engineers international motorsport experience to build a sustainable talent pipeline. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Jazeman Jaafar's motorsport journey
Jazeman Firhan Jaafar, 33, spent over two decades in motorsport from racing internationally to nearly securing a Formula One seat.
“He nearly made F1, now Jazeman Jaafar is opening doors for Malaysia’s next motorsport generation”
Technology Transfer Apprenticeship Programme
The Technology Transfer Apprenticeship Programme (TTAP) offers hands-on international exposure to Malaysian engineers and technical talents.
“So, I have talents like that … they have the grit, the skill, but they don’t have that ‘door opening’. So, I open the door for them”
TTAP participants and partners
95 talents have gone through TTAP with most working in the industry while some pursue further studies.
“Supported by partners including Porsche, Bosch Engineering and Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor”
TTAP structure and requirements
TTAP runs for seven months with participants gaining hands-on experience at three races during the program.
“So, my requirement is three races. I do a pre-event briefing. Then, we do a scorecard to see their performance and then their graduation”
Jazeman's early racing career
Jazeman began go-karting at age six in 1998 and decided he wanted to become a Formula One driver by eight.
“I had to promise her to never forget to ‘ mengaji ’ (study) first. You know, do my tuition first. And then I can go racing”
F1 deal that nearly happened
Jazeman received offers from Force India and Manor after winning Formula Renault 3.5 Series race in Monaco in 2015.
“They came back with a second offer to proceed with reserve driver (first). I still have the contracts in my mum’s house”
Why F1 deal didn't happen
Political pressure around 1Malaysia Development Bhd and falling oil prices prevented F1 deal from being finalized.
“We had four F1 teams from a small country. But no F1 driver, no F1 engineer”
Jazeman's current racing status
Jazeman competes in GT and endurance racing but has not returned to Formula One.
“If you put me in a race car tomorrow, I will perform at my utmost best. But Formula 1, no”
Malaysia's motorsport talent potential
Malaysia has talent capable of professional racing careers in GT, Le Mans and endurance racing.
“You know, race teams, international race teams love hiring Malaysians because we speak English”
Malaysia's historical F1 involvement
Malaysia had connections with four F1 teams at its peak but produced no drivers or engineers.
“Because a lot of the involvement in F1 was purely a commercial element. Not to grasp at talent development”
TTAP's future goals
Jazeman wants TTAP to become self-sustaining with 10-20 Malaysian talents integrated into racing each year.
“We have the opportunity to ask (for) what we want. I feel that we do not capitalise enough on the spillover effects”
Malaysia's F1 hosting opportunities
Malaysia hosts Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix next month with potential for talent development.
“We have the opportunity to ask them for what we want. I feel that we do not capitalise enough on the spillover effects”
Jazeman's vision for motorsport
Jazeman aims to build sustainable talent pipelines through international motorsport exposure.
“The door is open; you go for it. That is the only thing I can do, which I have done”
Malaysia's motorsport future
Malaysia seeks to develop technical talent and integrate international motorsport benefits through TTAP.
“We have to really plan for that integration … but it has to come from the ministry”
At a glance
Jazeman Jaafar, who nearly joined Formula One, runs a program giving Malaysian engineers international motorsport experience to build a sustainable talent pipeline.
