Jian Xiaofeng

Jian in 2007.

Guangzhou, China

**Jian Xiaofeng** (Chinese: 健晓峰; pinyin: Jiàn Xiǎofēng; born 11 May 1986) is a Chinese racing driver who currently competes in the Open Wheel International Championship (OWIC) for Super Nova International. He is the most successful driver in OWIC history, having won the drivers' championship four times in 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2014, and is tied with Bruno Lorenzi for most race wins of all time with seven victories.

## **Early life**

Jian Xiaofeng was born on May 11, 1986, in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. His parents were both engineers and worked in the automotive industry, which is where Jian's passion for cars and racing began.

As a child, Jian was fascinated by anything related to cars and racing, spending hours watching races on TV and playing with toy cars. His parents recognized his interest and encouraged him to pursue his passion, buying him his first go-kart at the age of 7.

Jian quickly fell in love with karting and began competing in local and regional races at the age of 9. His natural talent and dedication to the sport soon became apparent as he began winning races and championships.

Despite his early success in karting, Jian's parents insisted that he focus on his education and attend university. Jian studied mechanical engineering at the South China University of Technology, all the while continuing to race and hone his skills in his spare time.

After graduating from university, Jian decided to pursue a career in motorsports and began competing in various junior formulae series. His success in these series led to his debut in the Open Wheel International Championship in 2007.

## **Racing career**

### Karting

Jian Xiaofeng began his motorsport career in karting at the age of 9. He competed in several regional and national karting championships in China, where he quickly showed his talent by winning several races and championships. Jian's skills on the track caught the attention of several prominent motorsport figures in China, and he soon became recognized as one of the most promising young talents in the country. During his karting career, Jian honed his driving skills and developed a fierce competitive drive that would serve him well in his future racing endeavors. His success in karting would later pave the way for his entry into the world of open-wheel racing.

### Junior formulae

Jian Xiaofeng began his junior formulae career in 2002, competing in the Chinese Formula Renault Championship. Despite being a rookie, he managed to finish third overall in the standings, with two wins and five podiums to his name. In 2003, Jian moved to Europe to compete in the Italian Formula Renault Championship, where he finished eighth in the championship standings, with one win and three podiums. He returned to the Chinese Formula Renault Championship in 2004 and won the championship title with six wins and eleven podiums.

In 2005, Jian stepped up to the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 with Fortec Motorsports. He finished the season in 19th place, with a best result of seventh place at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours. He also competed in selected rounds of the British Formula Renault Championship, where he finished on the podium twice. Jian continued in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 in 2006, this time with the French team SG Formula. He finished the season in 17th place, with a best result of sixth place at the Circuit de Catalunya.

During his junior formulae career, Jian's main rivals included his compatriot and now-retired racing driver Lei Tian, as well as the likes of Matthew Ramirez, Álvaro Costa, and Aleksandr Kravchenko. Despite not achieving the same level of success as some of his rivals, Jian's talent and determination were evident, and he gained valuable experience and skills that would serve him well in his later racing career.