Student Experiences: Leo Gouveia
Meet Leandro Gouveia, a BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering student at the National Motorsport Academy! Like many, Leo’s passion for motorsport was ignited at a young age, and his journey took off when he enrolled with the NMA in 2023. After gaining his first taste of working in a professional motorsport environment in 2023, this year has seen Leo go from strength to strength; securing a role with Team RJN and enjoying some incredible experiences along the way.
Over to you, Leo…
Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi, my name is Leandro Gouveia, (or Leo as most people call me). I am from Portugal, but I have lived in the UK since I was young. I am currently halfway through my Online BSc (Hons) Motorsport Engineering course.Â
My passion for cars and motorsport stems from rallying. I’m from Madeira, where rallying is quite popular, with the main event being the Madeira Wine rally every August. Some of my earliest memories is of watching rally cars fly down these tight mountain asphalt roads while me and my family would watch on the side with good food and drink. Since then, I knew that motorsport was all I wanted to focus my career on. I would come home from school and instead of putting on cartoons like most other kids, I instead would spend hours watching Motors TV and Eurosport, getting the latest on the WRC, Blancpain GT series, WEC, V8 Supercars, Nascar and more. In fact, I believe I was more clued up on motorsport at the age of 10 than I am now!
What made you decide to enrol with the NMA?
I wish I had found the NMA sooner, but it was actually through word of mouth. At the time, I didn’t quite understand how to get into motorsport, so I became a vehicle technician for Jaguar Land Rover instead. I don’t regret it, as I learned a lot of valuable skills during my 6 years as a mechanic, but I knew that ultimately, I wouldn’t be happy there forever. Luckily, a colleague of mine at the time was actually a student with the NMA, and he showed me what it was and how to apply. After about a year of uncertainty, I finally applied.
How has your experience been so far?
It has been brilliant. I found that I would sometimes struggle at school with finding interest in subjects, but now that I am doing something I love I find it so much easier to want to devote some time into learning and developing my knowledge and skills.
What's been your favourite module so far?
I’m not sure if I have a favourite, but so far, I have quite enjoyed designing my own wheel in Module 03: R&D Simulation & Analysis. Learning how to use CAD and FEA testing was super interesting to me and assured me that I was in the right place. Crating my own racing engine in Module 06: Engine Design, Development & Simulation was also quite fun.
Tell us more about your role with Team RJN
So, this year I secured a part-time job as a number 2 technician for Team RJN in the British GT, helping them run their McLaren 720S GT Evo. We run a single car in the British GT, bar the Silverstone round where we ran 2 cars (and finished 3rd overall!). The highlight of my season was completing the 24 hours of Spa. To attend and compete in such a historic race that I’ve watched countless of times on TV was a dream come true.
As well, working with and meeting Jann Mardenbourough was a real pleasure as he is someone I have followed for years. It was surreal seeing over 60 cars from around the world, and all these famous drivers all at my favourite track. Despite an issue with our turbo late into the race, it was a great achievement being part of the team that got that car to the end. Thirty-nine straight hours of work with hardly any break, it definitely wasn’t easy!
What have been your responsibilities this season at Team RJN?
Responsibilities vary; from keeping bodywork clean, maintenance, small repairs, tyres and some roles during pitstops. I think my main role this year has been in the tyre department, ensuring correct pressures and heat in the tyres when required.
Do you have any goals in motorsport?
Currently I am not too sure. I work for Xtrac Motorsport Transmissions full-time and would consider an engineering role with them when I finish my degree. After that, who knows! Maybe something in the WRC or WEC!
Do you have any advice for anybody looking to enrol with the NMA?
If you love motorsport or want to open some doors for your future career, then don’t hesitate and just do it.
A big thank you to Leo for speaking to us! You can stay up-to-date on his motorsport journey by following him on LinkedIn – Leo Gouveia.
