Jefferies on F1 track

Fatima Bulla
ZIMBABWEAN motor racing sensation, Axcil Jefferies, kept his Formula 1 dream alive with a master class performance at the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championships in Italy last weekend.

Jefferies, whose dream is to compete in the prestigious F1 Grand Prix, got his European campaign to a flying start with a first round pole position at the Monza Circuit.

The Zimbabwean who now drives for GDL Racing with teammate Rik Breukers, accumulated 28 points after coming first and second at the ninth edition of the Championships’ two races held on Saturday and Sunday.

Jefferies is feeling pretty good.

“I believe given the same opportunity I can match or beat anyone. F1 is still my dream but unfortunately Africa is not ready for it,” he told The Sunday Mail from his base in United Arab Emirates.

However, lack of financial backing could hamper Jefferies’ dream in an environment where the world’s top drivers are oiled by large corporates.

Three-time F1 champion, Lewis Hamilton, has been backed by Mercedes since he was 12 while Fernando Alonso has been getting support from Santander Bank since his childhood.

Jefferies feels like the prophet who has no honour in his homeland. “You have seen all those big corporations on F1 cars. Those are companies that sponsor and back drivers,” he said.

“Many countries use F1 to advertise themselves as safe business and tourism destinations by backing and supporting their drivers.

“Everyone in the sport is aware of my ability. I have won many races and championships along the way. It is just a case of whether African companies have the appetite for F1.

“But as you are aware even national football teams struggle to garner sponsorship.Perhaps Africans do not yet understand the power of sport.”

Jefferies is now focusing his attention on next weekend’s invitational 24 hour race in France before he returns to the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship with a race in Silverstone, England from May 12-14.

Zimbabwe Squad

Paul Goredema, Ndumiso Dlodlo, Nigel Maphosa, Simba Godwin Mhaka, Pardon Dube, Masimba Nyamajiwa, Garikayi Mujuru, Eliah Samaringa, Juandre Nel, Selina Manuel, Demi Ferreira, Precious Mujuru, Helen Costa, Blessing Nyampimbi, Michael Shonhiwa , Edvaldo Mateus, Shirley Spreeth, Mugove Muhambi, Kirsty Bexter, Prosper Saungweme, Gift Sango, Chamu Marange, Shantel Batch Greenland