A snapshot in time from life in the fast lane. The Aston Martin Aramco driver squad shares what's on their mind right now and what they've been up to, both on and off the track. This time, Head of F1 Academy and Driver Ambassador Jessica Hawkins.
By Jessica Hawkins...
"This the second edition of 'The Steering Column', where each of the Aston Martin Aramco driver squad take their turn to share what's happening right now for them on and off the track.
"In this instalment, I explain why this weekend marks the start of my racing career in many ways, how competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a long-term goal of mine, and how I'll be balancing my duties with Aston Martin Aramco alongside my GT driving."
Back on track
"This weekend my racing season starts at Circuit Paul Ricard in the GT World Challenge Europe, as I drive an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 for Comtoyou Racing.
"Undoubtedly, it's a huge step up for me and will probably be the most challenging championship that I've driven in.
"However, challenges like this provide big opportunities and I'm eager to grasp it with both hands because I know how important it will be for my development as a driver.
"I'm very aware that I've lots to learn in the GT world, but the steep learning curve this series will provide will be massively beneficial.
"I'll be up against some incredibly talented drivers but they are drivers I can learn from.
"I'm driving for Comtoyou Racing who are a great team. Before we'd even agreed to work together, I did a test day with them and I was really impressed with how they operate.
"They've had some great success in the past and are highly regarded in GT racing with strong expertise so I know I'm in the right environment."
I can see a clear structure for the next few years as to how my racing may progress
My career starts here
"It feels a little strange to say that in a way my racing career is only beginning because I've been behind the wheel for years, but the opportunity I've got this year is unlike anything I've had before.
"Since my karting days, I've done very few full championships. I've had quite a fragmented career where I might be racing for half a season one year and then not have anything lined up for another three seasons.
"Now, I have a full championship-long drive confirmed, a good budget in place, great partners such as Arm and Valvoline, and a team around me to support me on this journey.
"My manager, David Brabham, has huge experience in GT racing and Darren Turner is also another I can call upon for advice. Both have given me great guidance. In the past I've lacked having a team around me, but I feel like I've really got that this year.
"I can see a clear structure for the next few years now as to how my racing may progress, which is a new feeling for me and one I'm delighted to have.
"The life of a racing driver can sometimes be feast or famine and I've regularly gone from one race to the next not knowing if I'll be doing the one after. This year that changes.
"This feels like just the beginning. I almost feel my career is just starting now. It's exciting."
Striking a balance
"It's clearly going to be a busy year competing in GT cars and fulfilling my Aston Martin Aramco duties as Head of F1 Academy and Driver Ambassador, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
"My racing will always come first, there's no question of that, which is why it's so nice to have such a full calendar this year, but I'm also really happy with my work at Aston Martin.
"I love being inside the team, and I love representing the Aston Martin brand. Aston Martin has given me amazing opportunities and they continue to support me with my racing career. Without that I wouldn't be in the position I am now for this season.
"There's going to be lots of travel, that’s for sure, and one minute I'll be thinking about F1, the next about GTs, but it's what I live for."
Tackling a full day of racing at one of motorsport's toughest circuits is going to be a huge test.
Eyeing iconic races
"There are some very famous circuits on the GT World Challenge Europe calendar this season but the 24 Hours of Spa at Spa-Francorchamps particularly stands out as an event I'm looking forward to.
"I've not taken part in a race longer than two or three hours so being part of a team tackling a full day of racing at one of motorsport's toughest circuits is going to be a huge test but it's one I’ve been craving.
"And naturally, driving in such a race will spark questions around potential participation in one of the biggest events of all: the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
"Of course, the experience I gain at Spa will lend itself to a future Le Mans entry but it's not on the radar yet.
"Competing, and fighting to win, in that race in the future is a goal of mine; it is one of the greatest events in motorsport and every racing driver dreams at some point of winning it but, for now, the focus is on GT3 with Comtoyou and learning and developing as much as I can.
"It's time to hit the track."
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