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Jann Mardenborough’s Road Back to Full-Time Racing
For Jann Mardenborough, the journey back to the spotlight began with a commitment he made to himself in 2021. As the victor of the 2011 GT Academy, he found himself at a significant turning point after leaving the Nissan Super GT program. This departure not only ended a five-year chapter in Japan’s premier sports car racing series but also threatened to signal the conclusion of his decade-long professional career. With limited opportunities amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Mardenborough resolved to reclaim his position in the motorsport world.
The path back was fraught with difficulties, including periods filled with self-doubt. During 2021 and 2022, he secured a role as a simulator driver for the Nissan Formula E team, which helped keep his connection to the sport alive. After participating in three individual races in 2023—experiences that he credits with keeping him relevant in the racing community—the 33-year-old has finally secured a full-time position. He is set to compete in the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe, driving a factory-backed Ford Mustang GT3 alongside teammates Thomas Drouet and Arjun Maini.
“It’s taken longer than I anticipated,” Mardenborough acknowledged in a recent interview, reflecting on the duration of his return to full-time racing. “It would have been nice to have done it a bit quicker, but I am proud that I managed to find the right people to surround myself with to put a package together where I can show my performance.” His determination has not waned; Mardenborough is still driven by aspiration and ambition. The last four years provided him time for reflection, leading him to firmly answer the questions of perseverance and desire with a resounding yes.
Mardenborough’s Impressive Racing History
Mardenborough’s career features notable achievements, including victories in British GT, GP3, Super GT, and Japanese Formula 3. His podium finish during his debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2013 remains a highlight. Yet, he has gained recent fame from the 2023 film Gran Turismo, which chronicles his unique journey in motorsport.
Growing up in Cardiff, Mardenborough aspired to be a professional racer. However, financial limitations prevented his family from supporting traditional karting pathways, forcing him to explore online racing as an alternative. This decision proved fortuitous, as he eventually studied motorsport engineering at university, although he soon dropped out, feeling uncertain about his future in racing.
“It always surprises me, the messages that I get – especially from the younger audience,” Mardenborough shared, emphasizing how his story has resonated with aspiring drivers inspired by the film. “People that have got into motorsport because they’ve watched the film are something which I’m very blessed with.”
Had it not been for the GT Academy, which he applied to during a gap year, he might have found himself in an entirely different career—illustrating an intriguing parallel where he could have been “designing furniture for DFS.” The GT Academy sought talent through online competitions, and Mardenborough triumphed over 90,000 competitors, ultimately securing a professional contract with Nissan that propelled him into the motorsport realm he so desperately desired.
Inspiration and Responsibility
As Mardenborough navigates this “completely new chapter,” he recognizes that he serves as a role model to many. “The situation is quite different to 2011 because I have many people that look up to me,” he remarked. The encouragement he receives from younger fans fuels his efforts, especially during challenging times. “When things are difficult, I can pull out and go ‘OK, it’s not just you now, it’s other people that look at you, so suck it up and get on with it’.”
With this weekend’s six-hour season-opener at Circuit Paul Ricard on the horizon, Mardenborough feels confident in his ability to quickly adapt to the competition. He has found a welcoming environment within his new team, which is committed to making a significant impact in sports car racing.
“I’ve moved into a new environment with a manufacturer wanting to make its name loud in sportscars and GT racing,” Mardenborough elaborated. The potential for growth is substantial, and he believes he can contribute both with his competitive speed and valuable experience. His ambitions extend beyond immediate success; he aims to solidify his status as a Ford factory driver in the competitive arena of endurance racing.
Looking Toward the Future
Ford has been making notable strides in the sports car scene, and Mardenborough is particularly excited about its planned return to Circuit de la Sarthe for the 2027 racing season as part of its LMDh program in the World Endurance Championship. “That’s where I want to be,” he declared, emphasizing his desire to compete at the prestigious Le Mans event. He is aware of the competitive landscape ahead and believes he possesses the necessary credentials and experience to pedal his way to that goal.
As the GT World Challenge Europe season unfolds, Mardenborough remains focused on his performance, ready to embrace every opportunity that arises. His journey is not just about personal achievement but also about inspiring those who dare to dream in the world of motorsport.
Source
www.autosport.com