He's young, ambitious and fast. Roberto Merhi could be the next potential superstar to come off the assembly line of aspiring Formula One drivers who cut their teeth at the Macau Grand Prix.
Merhi is certain where he is headed, and many who have followed the dashing 20-year-old Spaniard's career know it's only a matter of time before he might join compatriots Jaime Alguersuari and two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso in the highest echelons of the sport. And he says if he ever makes it to Formula One, he will not be there just to make up the numbers.
'I want racing to be my future job, as I have been dreaming since I was a kid of becoming the world F1 champion. That's why I work very hard every day in my life trying to achieve this,' Merhi said.
There is one matter Merhi has to address before he can even dream about achieving Formula One's lofty status, however. He must conquer next weekend's Macau Grand Prix.
Merhi will return to Macau for the 58th edition of the race and compete for a fourth time, determined to make amends for a qualification race crash last year, which cost him a realistic shot at making the podium. A year earlier, braking problems and a tyre puncture put paid to the young Spaniard's hopes of at least finishing sixth.
Merhi is putting all that disappointment behind him and staying focused on the job. He is expected to make a much bigger impact this time around, especially since joining forces with Prema Powerteam this year and turning his fortunes around.