Interview with Azerbaijani pilot Davin Jafarov, winner of the international “Portugal Trophy” karting tournament in Palmela, Portugal, with Report news agency.
- You won first place at the international “Portugal Trophy” in Portugal. How do you feel?
Yes, I won first place in the TaG Livre category at the Palmela International Track race in Portugal and took the Portugal Cup. It was an unforgettable moment for me. Not only did I finish first on the podium, but I was also the fastest driver among all participants. Raising the Azerbaijani flag on the podium made me incredibly proud. It was more than a personal victory – it was a moment of representing my country in an international competition.
- How does it feel to win such a competition at a young age?
It’s an incredible feeling. Motorsport is extremely competitive, and being first at this level gives me both confidence and motivation. Achieving victories like this at a young age shows that hard work and dedication truly pay off. More importantly, it instills a sense of responsibility – to continue improving, pushing my limits, and representing my country with honor in every race I enter. Currently, I am gaining experience to develop my mental and physical strength and compete for podium finishes. This lays a solid foundation for a long-term career in motorsport.
- Are there other competitions where you will represent Azerbaijan in the future?
Yes, there are. This year, there will be three more major races. The most important is the World Grand Final in Italy, where the best drivers from around the world, including European and world champions, will compete. I am the only one granted a license in the X30 category from Portugal to participate in this race. This is a significant milestone for me. I am fully focused on delivering my best performance and showcasing the strength of Azerbaijani motorsport on such a global platform. Motorsport is an international sport, and carrying my country’s flag gives me deep pride and responsibility. I want to show that drivers from Azerbaijan can compete at the highest level.
- Many people think karting is easy. Can you elaborate on this?
Karting often appears easy to spectators. However, it is one of the most challenging sports I have ever pursued. Karting requires incredible physical strength, precision, and mental focus. Every lap demands split-second decisions, perfect technique, and relentless concentration. As you know, serious accidents often happen in such races. Controlling a kart at speeds up to 145 km/h in various weather conditions without a helmet or harness is extremely difficult and requires great responsibility.
- Is it true that you received an offer from “Formula 4”?
Yes, that’s true. I received an offer from a Formula 4 team in Germany. This opportunity arose due to my performance and strong recommendations from my current team, Birel ART. Commercial negotiations are ongoing, and I hope everything will be finalized soon. It will be an exciting step because Formula 4 is the first official step toward Formula 1.
- Could participating in Formula 4 serve as a springboard to Formula 1 in the future?
Absolutely. My greatest dream and main goal is to reach Formula 1 and proudly represent Azerbaijan on world tracks. Sports in our country have developed significantly. Azerbaijani athletes consistently achieve high results on international stages. We can make our mark in motorsport as well. Formula 4 is the beginning of this journey. With support, I am confident that we will see Azerbaijan represented internationally in Formula competitions and, one day, at the highest level in Formula 1. I aspire to be the first Azerbaijani to achieve this.
Idman.biz
