Motorsports Mondial
Cedar Rapid
Noel Jammal is a Madrid-based Formula 3 driver of Lebanese heritage. After sampling speed on two wheels and winning a championship, he is now racing in European F3 Open and took victory this month at Jerez. F1 Weekly would like to wish him continued success.
Q: What was your introduction to motorsports?
A: I started motor sport in 1994, when I was 4 years old…we were going, my dad and I, to karting and I saw 500m before the karting racing track a small track with pocket bikes, so I told my dad to stop for a try. I tried it for the first time. I loved it, and we started going every weekend to train.
Q: Please tell us about your karting and racing on two wheels experience?
A: After 5 or 6 months I started racing in the Spanish Championship, my first year I ended up 3rd, then I stopped because I wasn’t doing good at school.
In 1999 I re-started racing in the same category and I won the Spanish championship. Then after winning the championship, Aprilia wanted me to be one of their official pilots. But my mother didn’t let me to sign the contract due to her fear from one side and school from the other.
In 2008, for my 18th birthday, I told my dad that I would love to sign up into a course of BMW Motorsport (a school that teaches you the way to drive on dry and wet tracks). So he knew a team where there is a potential to try a Formula 3 car, in other words, his decision to go forward with a Formula 3 attempt was the ideal one as he knew I would like it more.
The first time I ran with a Formula 3 car, I ended up in front of the South American Karting champion without me holding any background of formula driving neither karting. So, I pushed the team manager to talk to my dad that I should persist and race in the championship. I did second training in Valencia, however, I ended up in the last position with very close timing from the participants.
After the 2nd training, I travelled to the US to continue my studies so I wasn’t able to compete in the first race. My third time I drive a formula car, was my first race in Jarama, Madrid and I ended up 14th out of 31 cars participating. So that was my start in Formula 3 world.
My first year was a bit tough as I was promised to have a coach driver, however, I couldn’t have one, so it was hectic driving without one all over the season. The second season I started with another team called Cedars Autosport and I won the European F3 Open Cup.
This year I’m finishing my season in the European F3 season with a very bad luck, however, in many races this year it was spoken by the media that I am one of the most potential drivers that has a future to reach Formula 1, especially at Spa when I started the race in the last position and ended up reaching the second position before another competitor hit me from behind and I ended up out of the race.
Q: Your father is from Lebanon, how popular is motorsports there?
A: My father is Lebanese and he is so much into motosport culture despite the Lebanese society that is not into such sport. I am currently the only guy who is promoting the image of motorsports in Europe as a Lebanese. I might not be the first Lebanese driver to go and race outside Lebanon but I am the reputable and media-tic among all drivers with a glorious portfolio.
Q: Have you ever raced at Pit Stop Kart track at Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon?
A: While I was studying in Beirut, I had to train for my Formula 3, so I went to Pit Stop Kart in Zouk Mosbeh to conduct special training on Kart.
Q: You are racing in European F3 Open last three years. What has been the difference in you as a driver this season compared to your first season in 2009?
A: Simply experience and maturity in Driving.
Q: What is the game plan for 2012 and where would you like to see your career go in the next few years?
A: The next year, I’m planning to win the Formula 3 Championship, and then move to the World Series 3.5 or GP2. I would love to see my career ending in Formula one.
Q: You have spent some time in the United States; please tell us about that experience?
A: I studied 2 years in Valley Forge Military Academy and college from 2007 to 2009 in order to finish my high school and freshman year. It was a tough but nice experience.
Q: Any interest in pursuing a career in Indy Car or NASCAR?
A: Well I expect to race in Formula One in the coming years, but in case it doesn’t happen, I welcome all kinds of motor experience including Nascar and Indy Car.
Q: Paella or Falafel?
A: Paella, but if you are asking the question to see the sense of my patriotism, if it comes to Lebanese food of course Falafel is one of my favorite.
Q: Please tell us about the non-racing side of Noel Jammal, like your interest in music and what other sports you enjoy watching apart from motorsports?
A: When it comes to music, I love all kind. I consider myself down to earth, love life and enjoy it to the max. I love skiing and Soccer. I consider myself an outgoing person and very friendly
— Nasir Hameed
Photos: Noel Jammal Facebook