WHAT began as a way to pass time during the Covid‑19 pandemic has now opened the door for a young man to carve out a name for himself in national motorsport, driven by a growing passion for Formula One.
N. Rahul Dev, 22, from Johor Baru, said he discovered his interest in racing during the movement restrictions in 2020, where many people were left searching for new routines, diversions and things to do.
He added that his older brother, an avid F1 fan, had long shared insights about racing cars with him, nurturing his curiosity from a young age.
“Because of that, I tried an e‑sports simulator racing at a centre, and the experience was so thrilling that it sparked my ambition to pursue this field as a career,” he said during a visit to Axle Academy.
The Inti International College Subang student first came to wider attention after competing in the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) GT Cup (Campus Tour Race) virtual simulator championship in August 2023.
The second of three siblings, Rahul said simulator training provided new drivers a crucial advantage, where it allowed them to grasp racing techniques well before stepping onto a real circuit.
“In addition, drivers can analyse their lap times and pinpoint sections where they need to be quicker or more controlled to improve their performance,” he said.
“About 80% to 90% of the skills from simulator racing are transferable to real racing, with the remainder involving physical demands and a driver’s sensitivity to track conditions.”
Rahul, who idolises former Malaysian F1 driver and national e‑racing squad coach Alex Yoong, said the veteran racer had been a major influence on his development and passion for the sport, reported Bernama.
He said Yoong encouraged him to join the TGR Rookie Programme 2025, a step that ultimately led to him winning a championship on a real circuit at the Sepang International Circuit last January.
Rahul, who has been on a study break from the American Degree Transfer Programme (Biotechnology) since July 2024, is planing to resume his studies in June.
