Formula Renault 3.5 Series driver Jazeman Jaafar has been accepted as a full member of the British Racing Drivers Club, one of the most exclusive clubs in motor sport.
The 21-year-old Malaysian, who currently races in FR3.5 for ISR Racing having debuted in the series last year for Carlin, has been a member of the organisation’s Rising Star programme for the last two years, and now has achieved the necessary level of success to be eligible for full membership.
Two other Malaysian drivers Alex Yoong and Fairuz Fauzy, both full members of the BRDC themselves, proposed and seconded Jaafar’s membership application, and the board approved the membership last month.
The BRDC has a membership of only around 850, and is home to most of the most successful drivers from Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Members of the BRDC, past and present, read like a ‘Who’s who’ of motorsport.
Talking about joining the BRDC, Jaafar was obviously delighted, and is looking forward to getting involved with the club in the future, including working and networking with other members.
“I am very proud to have reached the level of success needed to become a member and join a Club with such prestige and a roll call of members that is so full of famous names,” said Jaafar. “The BRDC is the backbone of Silverstone and, now that I am based in the UK, is a circuit that I’ve visited often.
“I’ve raced at Silverstone in British F3, tested in F1 with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 team and spectated at numerous events, both four and two wheels, so it’s very familiar to me. I look forward to being involved with the Club and networking with fellow members at events in the future.”
The President of the BRDC, former Formula 1 driver Derek Warwick, welcomed the Malaysian driver into the programme, and believes Jaafar is an excellent role model for up and coming drivers from his home country.
“We offer Jazeman a warm welcome to full membership of the British Racing Drivers Club, having graduated from our Rising Stars programme,” said Warwick. “Jazeman is a young, talented driver who has been successfully climbing through the ranks of the sport and has achieved considerable success.
“He is an excellent role model for up and coming Malaysian racing drivers and I am sure that his country is very proud of his achievements.”
