Harare — ZIMBABWE has got a Michael Schumacher in the making. He is 15-year old Axcil Jefferies (AJ) who has just returned home from a successful carting trip in Malaysia, where the youthful champion won numerous international races and put the country on the map.

He is statistically the greatest youthful driver Zimbabwe has ever produced and is destined to participate in the grand Formula 1 competitions. Our News Editor Brian Mangwende (BM) spoke to Jefferies - who is thrilled by life in the fast lane - upon his arrival.

BM: You have just come from Malaysia, where you flew the Zimbabwe flag high by winning two races and came third in another and until then we had not heard about you, when did you start racing?

AJ: I started racing nine years ago when I was six years old, won two national championships in carting in Zimbabwe, went to South Africa when I was 10 years old and won two national championships backed by Toyota and Castrol. In 2007 and 2008 I participated in many European competitions where I won several races.

How did you end up with such a big company like BMW at your age?

Last year BMW approached me after being impressed by my previous performances. They offered me a scholarship renewable annually as long as I maintain consistency. I was one of three drivers offered that scholarship from a pool of other international drivers.

What does the scholarship cover?

It covers driver training, fitness training, media training and allows me to move around with the BMW Formula 1 team.

What was your major highlight this year?

This year I entered BMW 1 championship because there is BMW 1 and 3 before you can break into Formula 1. My debut was in April and I finished fourth.

What's all this excitement about Malaysia?

Last week, I won two races and finished third in the other. The next events will be held Asia and Europe an I will curtain raise for the Formula 1 events.

Who discovered that you have a talent for driving?

When I was two years old I used to be fascinated by carting and on my sixth birthday my dad bought me my first cart as a present. So, basically my dad, who is my manager, discovered me. I used to watch a lot of carting videos at home.

How safe are you in the fast lane?

Racing in a BMW is safer than driving on the roads. We wear a lot of fire proof clothing and carbon fibre monocoque. We use the highest safety standards one can imagine and can drive into a wall at 250km and still jump out safe.

How many accidents have you had so far and how did you react to it?

I have had one accident so far when I got hit on the side of the car and rolled in April. I sustained no injuries. I was not scared, but my father was terrified.

How much time do you invest in training?

I constantly train for fitness 3 hours, 2 of them in the gym. I run about 8 km a day. During the year, there are practice restrictions to stop others with money from taking an unfair advantage through many practice sessions because they can afford.

What is your fastest speed?

My fastest speed is 250 km an hour. At the moment I am second in the championship and am the big favourite to win at the end of the year.

What is in it for you? Is it the money or the passion?

I have a goal and very passionate about driving. I am not doing it for money, but I want to become a world champion.

Who inspires you?

Lewis Hamilton. He went through the same stages I am going through. I want to become the youngest Formula champion.

We have seen a lot successful sportsmen relocating to other countries. Are you likely to do the same?

I have a lot of fans in Zimbabwe and this is my home. It's easy for me to focus on my goal. My main sponsor is in Zimbabwe. I am happy to fly the Zimbabwe flag and on my car I have the inscription; "definitely Zimbabwean."

What role does your father play in all this?

My dad plays a big role. He backs me up. He's always got my back and works well with team. We are team. He must always be there.

How is your relationship with the team including your coach from BMW?

It's cordial relationship. I have got a lot to learn so I hardly clash with them. We may have differences, but one has to stay humble and keep learning.

What's your winning formula?

You must have the killer instinct; need to be so fit and disciplined. You can lose at least four kilogrammes within a week if you are not careful. Fatigue can kick in and disaster will strike.

At 15, are you allowed to drive on the roads?

I am not allowed to drive, but only on the race course.

Who are your sponsors?

Pioneer Motor Corporation, but I would also like to challenge the corporate world to come on board and help me achieve my dreams to become the youngest Formula 1 world champion.