Raise Your Game: How did you get into this career?

Ben Bloomfield: When I left school I was really into cars and I was interested in working on them. I managed to get an apprenticeship with a team in the UK called RML, who now run the Chevrolet team in the world touring cars, and it all went from there. I got in with a good crowd of people, things progressed and I moved from team to team and gained more experience and ended up working for Alan Docking.

RYG: How important was that apprenticeship early on?

BB: Massively important. A lot of people try and get into the motorsport, especially into a top level, and if you haven't got the right background, it's very difficult.

It's really good to get in with a team, even if you're doing it unpaid initially, to get that break and to get a chance to gain the experience you need to get into top level motorsport.

RYG: What are the skills that you need to function well as part of a team?

BB: You need good management skills because a lot of things are happening all at once. You need a good eye for detail, and you need to be thorough. You can't afford to have mistakes. You see something wrong and you let somebody know.

RYG: We're out here in sunny Spain, what are the highlights of a career like this?

BB: Winning races is definitely the best buzz I think you'll ever feel, especially if you've had a hard weekend or you've maybe had a lot of issues with the car which you've had to sort out.

It's great to be involved in the sport. This is a great championship, it's really exciting and the cars are really quick.

RYG: What would be your advice to any young people looking to get where you are?

BB: Having a qualification was key for me. Just keep working hard. If you've got a goal in mind, and you know you want to do it, then just keep working towards it.

It's getting to know the people and being prepared to get that experience. Ask teams if you can do some work for them and maybe they'll give you a try out. If you get along with the people and you've got some capability, then you can go a long way.

If there's a race on near you, get down there and see what it's all about. Talk to the teams, get some contacts and get involved.