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

BA Mitchell: It started when I was very young. My father had a race team so during my weekends and holidays I spent all my time at Silverstone circuit and learnt my trade through him.

RYG: What is involved on a typical race day?

BA: We get up at 6 o'clock in the morning, have some breakfast, arrive at the circuit and prepare the cars for action, whether it's qualifying, free practice or the race. It's quite a busy, flat out day.

RYG: How important is that preparation stage before the race?

BA: It's very important. You've got to get everything right. The cars need to be set up, the driver has to work with the engineers and the mechanics then listen to the engineers for their setup information. Everything has to work well together to get the best results.

RYG: Would you say that teamwork is important?

BA: Teamwork is everything. We're all part of a big team here and that's how we get results.

RYG: What sort of things can happen if the team isn't pulling together?

BA: Well, we have pit stops in the races where we have to change all four tyres. There are seven people involved in that pit stop and if one of them makes a mistake, it can cost you two or three positions in a race. So everyone has to work well together, including the driver, to get everything right.

RYG: What are the highlights of the job for you?

BA: Definitely travelling and spending days that are warmer than back home in the United Kingdom. It's a big sporting atmosphere and it's all good fun.

RYG: What would your advice be to young people hoping to get involved in this kind of event?

BA: If they want to be a mechanic or an engineer there are plenty of courses at colleges and universities, such as Cranfield University, and Silverstone circuit have their own college. There's so many opportunities for youngsters nowadays. It's all there for the taking.

How would a young person go about applying for a job within your team?

BA: The first thing is that they have got to come to us. Send your CV via mail or email, but it's also nice if you can come in person because we can get to see your enthusiasm. If you've got the right training background, there's a good chance that we'll accept you and train you up with us.