Young Zimbabwean Axcil Jefferies made history yet again, by joining the GP2 Series for the official GP2 Pre-season testing in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. Axcil joined Italian team Trident Motorsport for the two tests.

 

The GP2 series is the final step before Formula 1 and is the best place for any young driver with the hopes of graduating to Formula 1, as it follows 11 of the Formula 1 events as a support category and is watched and followed by all the Formula 1 Team bosses/ owners.

 

Jefferies was thrown into the deep end in Abu Dhabi, at the Yas Marina circuit on the 11th, 12th and 13th of March. But the African F1 hopeful wasted no time to get acquainted with his new beast and quickly improved and learnt as the days went by. By the end of the Three days, Jefferies was consistently running in the top 15 of the 26-car field.

 

“Considering Axcil’s lack of experience, and the fact that most of the drivers in GP2 are now in there 3rd, 4th and some even fifth season in the category, I think Axcil can only be proud of what he achieved. The GP2 Series is one of the most competitive if not the most competitive motorsport category in the world, so for Axcil to jump in and be in mid pack straight away is very impressive and should not go un-noticed”, said Team Principal Giacomo Ricci. The final of the Pre-Season testing took place a week later at the Bahrain International Circuit on the 19th, 20th and 21st of March. Unfortunately due to budget constraints Jefferies could not take part in the first two days of the test. However the young man kept his faith and a break through came through for the last day. Jefferies took to the track on the morning of the 21st, but due to a few mechanical problems had to sit out the morning session. Regardless as soon as the afternoon session started, Axcil hit the track to try and make up for the lost time and the two days he missed. Once again Axcil continued his learning process, and steadily Improved to finish 9th in the Afternoon session. “I’m really happy with how the last two tests have gone. Obviously I had a lot to learn, but I’m very fortunate that I have great engineers and mechanics in Trident, who were able to help and assist me to ensure I am ready for this step up. I think we have a good baseline to head into the first race in Bahrain on the 4th-6th of April. I’m really looking forward to competing on the same weekend as Formula 1! I would just like to thank Trident Motorsport for all the faith they have shown in me”, explained an excited Jefferies.