Pakistan Youth impossible dream Penetrating Formula 1

Saad Ali is in excellent position to become the first rider in Formula 1 from Pakistan, a target that looks almost impossible for a country that does not have a track. Pakistan also states that all funds disbursed sponsor for the sport that became a national obsession - cricket.

Men 28 years it faced significant hurdles before it could become part of 22 elite riders competing in the event, which is touted as a top racing car.

However, a decade after he became a college dropout and crazy about racing, he began to approach the target.

"As a boy I was always interested in cars. But there was no race in Pakistan, even on television once," he said.

Ali competed in Formula Gulf 2014 series last three reached the podium twice in Abu Dhabi.

He described the race as "a major milestone", and states that it is "proof to myself that this world is something I can accomplish."

Now he had to conquer Formula 3, GP3 and GP2, the race is seen as a stage towards Formula 1.

"To accomplish this very difficult, very tough, very competitive," he said.

It was also very expensive.

"For this country I have raced alone without help, raising the flag of Pakistan on the circuit, making the race the famous (here)," said Ali, who last year could only compete in the arena Go-Kart Grand Prix of Endurance 2F2F in Pakistan because of the high cost of racing in the racing world.

Currently, he is getting the funds to race from his job at an information technology company Swiftclick, and also of the work produced the documentary.

He will race more often in the second half of 2016. But he estimated he needed a sponsor funds of about US $ 2 million in the next three to four years to achieve his dream of racing in addition to the driver-driver like Sebastian Vettel or Lewis Hamilton.

"For a car racing event, you need an expert, you need the mechanics, you need the facilities, infrastructure and overall structure that you need to be performing well," he said.

At present, he must be satisfied to practice with the simulator at home, the tools he used to practice maneuvers.

He only had a small chance to get success in the international world. "In this world, there are only a few people who live from the world of racing cars - and in Formula 1 a little more," said Matthew Mars, a former rider who is now a television analyst, told AFP.

Young and Dangerous

The absence of any car racing event in Pakistan in addition to go-kart meaning Ali was almost impossible to get funding in their own country.

But Ali said that building the circuit will not only stimulate the economy, but also help save the lives of young people of Pakistan who need to channel the desire for speed clandestinely.

A 22-year rider who did not want his name revealed, told AFP that there continues to race in major cities of Pakistan despite the accidents and they also became the target of the police.

"Never had an accident that was really bad that causes anyone dies, but this event continue because you can not limit a young child," he said.

"If there is a proper race track, the risk of accidents can be reduced and the passion of young people for the race can be channeled," he argued.

Ali agreed with that argument, saying: "The first thing we need in this country is the track ... The people who race in the streets, they will come to the facility and their need for speed and can be distributed in a way that is very, very safe."

Baber Kaleem Khan, editor of the blog Pakwheels.com car, also claimed there were economic advantages.

"Racing cars are not just about sport, it's also an interesting program of capital on a massive scale," he said.

"Development of the engine found in the car, the training of the riders, team staff and students, and commercial product development, this will have a snowball effect on local businesses to be able to develop and export auto parts."

Road to Formula 1

Ali is interested in the race when he was studying in Islamabad in 2006.

"Previously, I really do not know anything, because there was no one in Pakistan who've raced professionally."

He is a man who dropped out of college and then tested the Formula BMW Racing Center (FBRC) Bahrain, where riders learn the art of riding.

"After three days of practice, I followed the championship which was held in the school race," he said, saying that the decision was a "pivotal point" in his life.

Sitting in the room cramped cockpit of a racing car that almost made his dream crumble, especially since he was a claustrophobic or have a phobia of small space.

"When you sit in a racing car and wearing a helmet, you can not breathe normally," he said, adding that so tight it tightens the seat belt, there are three inches deep scars on his shoulder and he could only half breathing.

But he continued to force himself and could eventually compete in Formula BMW and Formula Renault.

He realized the magnitude of the burden that he tried to lift. "If you get into Formula 1, then there are only 22 of the best riders compete with each other."

But, Ali believes that if he gets the chance, he will "achieve more."