Racer Adrian Quaife-Hobbs interviewed
Above: Adrian Quaife-Hobbs
Above: Adrian Quaife-Hobbs
1. Tell me about yourself
I am 16 years old, born in Pembury and am pursuing my dream of becoming a top-level motor racing driver. My granddad first took me to race meetings when I was four years old, and I’ve had an interest in motor racing ever since. My dad, Butch Hobbs, successfully raced 250 and 350 Yamaha motorcycles in the 1970s and 1980s, so I think I’ve always had motor racing in my blood! I started kart racing at the age of 11 at Bayford Meadows, near Sittingbourne and then moved into the T Car Championship in 2005, becoming champion with 14 wins to my name.
2. What are you doing now?
I am currently racing in the Formula BMW UK Championship, the world’s leading entry-level class in single-seater car racing and the first step on the ladder to Formula One. Past graduates of the series include F1 stars Nico Rosberg and Ralf Schumacher.
After participating in the Formula BMW UK Championship Licence Course in 2006 I was then given the chance to demonstrate my driving ability on the famous Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain. From the 34 drivers who attended I was one of only five selected to receive a BMW scholarship for 2007.
1992 Formula One World Champion, Nigel Mansell, was on the judging panel, so it was a great honour to receive it. I’m still chasing my first win this year, but after gaining pole position and just missing out on a podium finish after four races, I feel it’s not far off!
3. What are your ambitions for the future?
My ultimate ambition has always been Formula One but I’m also realistic about how tough it is to make it. This year I am looking to become Formula BMW UK Championship Rookie of the Year, which will help me gain sponsorship to pursue my motor racing career. I have also enrolled to stay on for sixth form at Sackville School, Hildenborough. After that I plan to go to university to further my studies or choose a specialist course in engineering design. While motor racing will always come first, it’s important for me to ensure I have a good education to fall back on too.
4. What’s the best thing about living in Kent?
Kent is a great county and offers some spectacular countryside, yet it’s only 30 minutes from London. It also has excellent motorway links, and is ideal for getting around to racetracks throughout the UK and in Europe. Kent is world renowned as the Garden of England’and it really is, with plenty of green and colourful countryside. The large open areas of countryside are also great for cycling, which is one of my hobbies.
5. Where do you like to go out in your area?
When I’m not training or playing sport, I love visiting Brands Hatch race track with friends, following all forms of motorsport and keeping up to date with the motoring industry. It’s a great place to go and watch racing, as it is a great venue for spectators. Being set in a natural amphitheatre, when racing is on the Indy circuit you can see about 95 per cent of the circuit wherever you stand.
6. What are your hobbies and interests?
Motor racing is my first passion but I also love cycling - especially with the road network in Kent being so good for it. It’s also important for me to keep fit which I do with a combination of running, swimming and weight training too. I am also really interested in web site design. I have built and maintain my own website, plus a site which supports local racing drivers with holistic therapies to help relax them in preparation for the pressure that racing places on their bodies.
7. What was the last book you read?
I usually prefer more energetic hobbies to reading but I did really enjoy reading Michael Schumacher’s autobiography, which was very inspiring as he has achieved so much in his motor racing career – it would be great to following his footsteps one day!
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