Interview by the SPEED Editorial Staff
How old are you?
I'm 16 years old.
How did you get started in racing?
A friend of my brother, Ken, knew someone who was into go-kart racing. Through him,
I got a chance to try it and I found myself enjoying it. My dad was there and I told him
that I wanted to continue doing it. After doing a few more laps I told my dad that I want
to race and he said "yes."
What races/championships have you won at your tender age?
Let's see? I was first in the 2000 Shell Super Karting Cadet Class 60cc Series. In 2001,
I won the Shell Super Karting Cadet Class 85cc Series and finished second in the Shell
Super Karting Junior KT Series. In 2000 and 2001, I won the Erap Cup. In 2002, I came in
third in the ICA Class of the Shell Super Karting series. In 2003, I took second in the ICA
Class of the Shell Super Karting Series and also finished second overall in the Formula BMW
Asia Rookie Cup.
Speed secrets?
My mentors tell me that it's my ability to adjust to any race track. Give me a couple of laps
to familiarize myself with the track and by the end of the day I can do the quickest lap times.
Do you plan to race in other formulae?
As I mentioned earlier, I've already raced in Formula BMW last year. This year, I'm into Formula BMW and
Formula 3. They say that I'm currently the youngest Asian driver competing in both those categories.
When did you learn how to drive? Do you drive your own car now?
Yes, I drive my own car now. I learned to drive when I was nine.
Who are your racing idols?
For now, it's Michael Schumacher.
Do you ever get scared while racing?
In practice, I just drive and push the car and myself to the limit so that I would know up to what speed I
can take the corners. Sometimes, I do get scared but I keep putting into my mind that I need to do this if I want to win.
In which circuits have you raced?
I've raced at the Bahrain International Circuit. I've also raced in Johor and the Sepang F1 Circuit, both in
Malaysia, the Autopolis International Circuit in Japan, the Goldenport International Circuit in China, the Bira
Circuit in Thailand, the
Batangas Racing Circuit and Subic International Raceway as well as the Taebak International Circuit in South Korea.
Wow! What goes on in your mind an hour before a big race? Do you sleep well the night before?
Nothing. I just feel nervous. I need to sleep early so that I'm fresh and ready to race the next day.
How do you prepare for a race, mentally and physically? Do you have a special diet or physical training
program like the guys in F1?
Before leaving the Philippines, I go to church in Antipolo. I try to get a lot of sleep, go to the gym and eat the right food.
Guess we can expect your competitors to be making the pilgrimage to Antipolo after reading this then. Have you
always been a competitive child?
Yes, I've always tried to be the best among us brothers in basketball, billiards, computer games, etc.
How do you see yourself ten years from now, a full-time racer or more of the corporate type?
I think I'd like to be a full-time racer. I'm already working hard to be one. Hopefully, by that time, I will be able to reach
my goal, which is to become the first Filipino Formula One driver.
What is the scariest moment you have ever had on a race track?
During the Formula BMW race in Bahrain race last April, my car leaked some oil which found its way to the (electrical)
connections of the engine. On the first lap of the race, I saw through my mirrors that there was smoke coming out of
the back of the car and, all of a sudden, fire gushed out. I didn't panic but I knew I had to stop the car at that very
moment. So when I parked the car on the side of the track, I pressed the fire extinguisher button and jumped out of
my car. The track marshals came rushing towards me and extinguished the fire. It was scary but when I saw the replay
on the big screen inside the racetrack I thought that it was pretty cool.
Is there anything you hate about racing?
None whatsoever. I love racing - every bit of it.
What advice would you give for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
If they want to race and be successful, they should decide if they want to do it for fun and relaxation or take it
seriously and make a career out of it. If they're going to take it seriously, they should abstain from drinking,
smoking and other vices because it affects your body and mind. They should sleep early and go to the gym everyday.
This is essential for any kind of racing, which is very demanding physically and mentally.
What else do you do outside of racing?
Shopping
