Yiğit Arslan Sets His Sights on Formula 1

We spoke to Yiğit Arslan, a young and talented driver competing in the Formula Junior class of the Turkish Karting Championship, about how he started in the sport, his results so far and his goals.

Hello Yiğit, could you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello, I'm 13 years old and in the 8th grade. I started karting in 2016, with training under my coach Emre Ergör. After my sixth training session I took part in my first race, and I'm still racing today.

Have you felt the benefit of starting at such an early age?
It's a sport you can start at 7 years old, and of course the earlier you start, the better. I think training and safety are two very important elements in this sport. At a young age it teaches you to work with discipline, and it also contributes positively to my school life.

Is it hard to balance school and karting? Do you think it affects your school life?
My karting training and races take place at weekends. During the week I focus on my lessons, and at weekends I focus on karting. My teachers know I'm involved in this sport and they support me, which motivates me a lot. I don't fall behind in my lessons, and I can still do my sport.

How did you get into karting?
I loved playing with cars and speed excited me. Watching Formula 1 races, and films and videos about cars, were my favourite things. When I was 6, I told my family I would become a Formula 1 driver. When I was 7, I asked my father for a Ferrari (laughs). Since I was so curious, my mother started researching, and that led her to TOSFED and from there to my coach Emre. In 2012 I did a test drive with him. Coach Emre told my mother and father, "Yiğit will be successful at this, you'll have a lot to look forward to with Yiğit." I began training in 2016. We know you've had success in karting, but what are your goals for the future?
In 2017 I finished third in Turkey in the Mini class. In 2018 I'm continuing in the Junior class of the Turkish Karting Championship. My goal is to get good results in every race I enter in Turkey and then to race in Europe. I want to represent my country on the world stage and, God willing, one day fly my country's flag on the circuits as a Formula 1 driver.

How do you prepare for races?
First of all, you need to be motivated and to believe. I believe in myself, and I work hard and train to win. I take Krav Maga lessons, a self-defence sport that improves my fitness and concentration and develops my reflexes. I also pay attention to my nutrition and sleep. My goal is high, and I know that turning it from a dream into reality is in my hands, so I'm working hard for it.

Let's turn to Formula 1... Who are your favourite drivers?
I follow Formula 1 closely. If I've been training, I always watch when I get home. My favourite drivers are Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. From earlier eras, Ayrton Senna and Niki Lauda.

You met our national athlete and Member of Parliament Kenan Sofuoğlu, who has achieved so much. What did you talk about? How did you feel?
Meeting Kenan Sofuoğlu was very exciting. In our conversation he told me that he got where he is through hard work, determination and patience, and that if I believe, I can achieve it too. That motivated me a lot. Listening to his experience broadened my horizons. My dreams have grown even bigger.

Karting is as expensive as it is enjoyable. What are your thoughts on sponsor support?
As in every sport, finding sponsors in karting isn't easy, but because it's an important sport, sponsors who back it will realise what a great thing they've done once big successes come. Sponsor support is very important for both our country and our young people. I believe there are businesspeople and companies who will support our country and its youth. Not only for myself but so that all my young friends can be supported and achieve great things, I invite our sponsor companies and businesspeople to back young people.

Finally, what would you like to say to us?
I'm only at the start of my journey, and I have many long years ahead of me. When people want something and get the right training, they can achieve anything. To anyone who is interested in something and feels hopeless, I want to say: first of all, believe, and if you believe, you can do it. When something is said to be difficult here, everyone looks at it negatively, but we have many athletes, scientists, engineers and doctors who have achieved success in the world. So please don't discourage someone who believes; instead, show what you can do for them, support them and believe in them. Love to all the readers.