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17-year-old Mira Erda is the first female Indian driver to participate in the Euro JK series — a part of the JK Tyre-FMSCI National Racing Championship whose winner will have an opportunity to work with the Team Euro International Formula 3 team.
The Vadodara native started her career in national Karting and participated in the LGB Formula 4 series till last year. We were fortunate enough to catch up with Mira Erda at the Kari Motor Speedway in Chettipalayam, Coimbatore.
Q: How does it feel to be the first Indian woman to participate in the Euro JK series?
A: "It feels really great because I've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, and I've been working really hard. Last year, I won the LGB Formula 4 National Rookie Championship, and that is, of course, the reason I got to drive the BMW Formula cars.
It also feels incredible to be the only woman to participate because I've managed to keep a good pace during most of my races, and I'm pushing myself to finish in the top seven."
Q: How have you found the transition to the new car? Any problems, in particular, that you've encountered?
A: "No, not really. Before the racing season started, I did some testing in Malaysia, and I had Armaan Ebrahim with me to train. But coming over from the LGB series, it's quite easy for me to get used to this car. It's just the paddle shifters that I needed to get used to, and after a few races, I started to feel quite comfortable.
So, I haven't really found it tough, but I'm just trying to get better with every race."
Q: Is there any added pressure on you as the first Indian woman to participate in the Euro JK series?
A: "Not really. I just make sure that I don't focus on anything other than my racing, and I let my performances speak for me. I am only accountable for my performances, and there is no pressure on me if I perform well. So, during racing weekends, I just tune everything out, get into the zone and do my best."
Q: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
A: "I try not to look so far ahead. I like to keep my feet on the ground and take things step-by-step. Right now, I'm just trying to gain as much experience as possible so that I can eventually drive in the Asian series. I'll pretty much take things step-by-step with the budget in mind.
But the biggest dream is to drive Formula One. That is the dream for all of us, and I want to be the first Indian woman to drive Formula One cars."
Q: Who are the people that you look up to?
A: "Lewis Hamilton, for sure. Daniel Riccardo is also doing really well, and there's also Max Verstappen. I follow these three drivers and admire the way they go about their business."
