The birth of the project "all-Malaysian driver line-up"

Rémy Brouard, team manager of Jackie Chan DC Racing, tells us more about recruiting three Malaysians for the #37 ORECA 07-Gibson: "Malaysians have always been a part of the Asian Le Mans Series (Asian series in the endurance pyramid, Ed.) and have always done well. They were sort of on their own in other disciplines, like Jazeman Jafaar in the GP2 Series (single-seaters series lead-in to F1, Ed.) and Nabil Jeffri in Formula Renault 3.5 (single-seaters ladder series, Ed.). Also, we were in contact with Weiron Tan who was doing F3. After losing Formula 1, the Sepang circuit decided to choose endurance and to support Malaysian drivers, including the three who will drive the #37. The project proved successful in the form of a win in the Asian Le Mans Series. In the beginning, it was really all about getting three Malaysians together, with no thought to the World Endurance Championship or the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But, we realized they were competitive and with their sponsors in tow, it came together quickly! Then Jota Sport contributed. Don't forget, the Sepang circuit is very engine-driven! Circuit CEO Razlan Razali and his entire team were there that weekend." Weiron Tan, one of the three drivers, confirms: "We get a great deal of support from the Sepang circuit and we are grateful. Without them, we wouldn't be here."

What do the drivers think about the circuit?

As rookies, the three men first hit the track at the 24 Hours circuit on Test Day on Sunday 3. They were overjoyed. Jazeman Jafaar: "To be here is a real accomplishment. I have always wanted to compete at the this prestigious race, it's a dream come true. The track at Le Mans is much faster than I thought it would be. A good portion is made up of local roads which means changes in grip. I really enjoyed my first laps, especially in fast turns like the Porsche Curves." Nabil Jeffri was surprised by the 13 km+ length. "The circuit is long, I'm not used to doing a lap in 03:30, but it was fun. The last stretch that includes the Porsche Curves is really incredible." Weiron Tan was more impressed with the speed. "I've always dreamed of doing Le Mans. The track is absolutely amazing. Arriving at the Mulsanne Corner going 330 km/h is unlike anything else." 

The men are making history in their country

For the first time in Malaysian history, three representatives from their country will take the start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They consider it a real honor. Nabil Jeffri believes this project will help his country learn more about the race. "It's not that popular back home, but I hope our presence will change that. We like it when our people support us." Weiron Tan: "This is the first time in the history of our country that a fully Malaysian driver line-up will compete at Le Mans. To be a part of that is a real honor. It's really a special feeling and hard to describe in words. I hope our country will be proud of us. The 24 Hours is not well-known there, but I hope we can make a difference and generate more interest for motorsport in general at home. The race will be shown on Eurosport and we have that channel."

The checkered flag is their first objective

Like the 177 other drivers, the three men are focused on their main goal: crossing the finish line. Adds Jazeman Jafaar: "We really want to be competitive. We began our preparations during the Asian Le Mans Series six months ago. The level here is extremely high."

MAIN PHOTO (Copyright - Arnaud Cornilleau/ACO): Weiron Tan, Jazeman Jafaar and Nabil Jeffri at Scrutineering at the Place de la République in downtown Le Mans.