Yashish Manohar

As a child, I thoroughly enjoyed watching fast cars and different things that move- I had always found it extremely intriguing. When I was 3 years old, I had watched the Cars movie for the first time, and since then I had been obsessed with anything with 4 wheels. As I grew more, I involved myself more within the Automotive and Motorsport community, to take any chance to drive vehicles that give me the sense of speed and adrenaline.

My main goal is to be the first Indian / UAE - based sim racer to transition from sim-racing to a junior open-wheeler racing category. I'm working hard to better myself to ultimately reach my goal of being a professional racing driver at an international and higher level.

I'm not being biased because I am with YAS Heat, but my favourite race track genuinely is Yas Marina Circuit. Even before I was affiliated with them, I would always spend my time driving and practicing on the track, all the way from F1 2012 to using Assetto Corsa in the present day. I love how it's so close to home and hosts the Formula 1 race in the UAE, it's like my second home.

Simulation is a vital part of my training, and has helped in finding that extra tenth, providing that extra edge over competitors, and improving my consistency. By being able to practice at the comfort of my home, it allows me to drive at any time and try and learn different ideas, concepts and things before trying to apply it on the race track. Without simulation, I wouldn't be as confident or good of a driver I am today.