Welcome to Paddock Pass – the series in which we delve deep behind the scenes of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship to bring you the latest interviews and insight from the unsung heroes of all-electric city street racing.
We catch up with Deborah Lyall, Assistant Team Manager at Panasonic Jaguar Racing about discovering her love for racing after a trip to Silverstone, grafting to get her first gig in the paddock and her three tips for starting out in motorsport.
What's your role?
At Panasonic Jaguar Racing, I deal with the admin, the logistics and operational side of the team. So that's anything from booking flights for the team members and drivers to booking hotels, transfers, car hire and visas.
How did you get into motorsport?
My journey started when I was a lot younger. My dad brought home a big Formula One calendar and driver tracker from the newspaper back in the 1980s. I remember I stuck it on the wall at home and then I followed all the races from then on. I did actually make it to a race at Silverstone once, and only once! It was awesome. It was in the early 1990s and it was just an absolutely astounding, amazing and breathtaking experience!
My journey into motorsport started with working at a team in the GP2 championship. I stayed with them for nine years, so I gained a lot of experience there, had a lot of good times but some hard times too - but that's racing!
Did you find the process challenging?
Getting into motorsport isn't easy. I just kept knocking and knocking at different doors and it was when I did A1 Grand Prix for a year that I realised I really wanted to be in the racing industry. I just kept emailing and calling teams to ask for work experience and then eventually, I got the opportunity for an interview and that was it!
What inspired you and how long did you know you wanted to work in racing?
I realised I wanted to be involved in racing from the moment my dad brought home the calendar - I was just so interested in it. But I knew for sure once I'd had my first taste of racing for real when working for A1 Grand Prix.
Any role models along the way?
I always followed Mika Hakkinen. He was always my favourite driver and I always wanted him to do well. I think it was just his racecraft - I just enjoyed watching him!
Other than him, I've been inspired by my dad and my aunt, especially on the business side of things. With both of them being so strong-minded, independent and smart - they were the two on the non-motorsport side of things that inspired me.
What's the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is working with all the different guys. It really shows how well a team can work together if the different departments are all open and hard working. Just being in a such an amazing team is great.
...and the not-so-good?
Being away from home so much is not so good. Having less time with family and friends is something that we all miss out on. I sometimes miss the normal life!
What's your day-to-day like both on and off-race weekends?
On a race weekend, I'm a lot more mobile - I don't sit at a desk. There are always issues that crop up on site at short notice that need to be dealt with. That's different to how it is in the office, where I'm mostly desk based in the workshop, busy preparing for the next race.
What's your career high point to date?
The high point in my career has definitely been working for Jaguar Racing. It's the highest level that I've reached in a role and working in this championship is brilliant - it's a great environment and good to work with so many professionals with different backgrounds.
What’s your favourite race in the Formula E calendar?
My favourite race this season has been Punta del Este - I quite like being near the beach! It's just so different.
Where would you like to see Formula E race in the future?
...I'd have to say another beach location! Being by the beach and the sea just makes it so interesting. If I had to choose somewhere, I'd have to say Hawai - I've always wanted to go there!
Top three top tips for someone looking to start a career in motorsport?
- Keep knocking on those doors - someone will eventually give you the opportunity.
- Work hard, play hard.
- ...and enjoy it. It's a lifestyle, so there's stuff to give up at home but it's brilliant!
Previously on Paddock Pass;
Paul Fickers, NIO Formula E Team
Francesca Valdani, Techeetah Formula E
Delphine Biscay, Venturi Formula E
Leon Price, DS Virgin Racing