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<\/p>\nWHEN Jann Mardenborough picked up his PlayStation controller for the first time, he never dreamed it would end like this.<\/p>\n
He was just eight years old and had been introduced to the classic racing game Gran Turismo at a friend\u2019s house.<\/p>\n
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Dad Steve was a pro-footballer and although immensely proud of his old man, kicking a ball about for a living wasn\u2019t for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy dad always said to me from a very young age to do something in life which you\u2019re passionate about,\u201d Mardenborough told SunSport.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you are eight years-old you don\u2019t really understand what that means but those words were very powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n
His dream was to become a racing driver – and his skills were honed in his bedroom.<\/p>\n
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Little did he know that, fast forward 24 years, and blockbuster film Gran Turismo, starring the likes of A-lister Orlando Bloom, would let the world know about the one of craziest sporting journeys of all-time.<\/p>\n
The racing game Gran Turismo became everything for the youngster – super-competitive race offs with his pals were a daily occurance – and by the time the technology improved and online racing came into the equation, Mardenborough was on fire.<\/p>\n
He had built his own racing set up in his bedroom – steering wheel, pedal and a homemade racing frame –\u00a0 after getting money from his parents for some good grades.<\/p>\n
So when GT Academy was created, a chance to realise his dreams came zooming into view.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS<\/strong><\/p>\n Winners of the online tournament were given an unreal chance of joining the real-life Nissan racing team.<\/p>\n With hours of PlayStation experience in the bag, Mardenborough, then 19 and living in Cardiff after dropping out of university and working part-time in a clothes store, entered the competition and raced to victory.<\/p>\n Next up? A spot in the Dubai 24-hour race.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I was good, but not the best,\u201d he admitted. \u201cThat was the first time-trial I had ever entered.\u201d<\/p>\n A place on the Nissan team was in the bag but despite all those hours in front of the box, Mardenborough had never stepped foot on a racetrack.<\/p>\n Did playing on the PlayStation help in any way?<\/p>\n \u201cThe cars act in the same way so subconsciously just logging things and going \u2018Okay, that's the same, that's the same.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI didn't think about it too deeply, so it felt normal to me.\u201d<\/p>\n What happened next was anything but normal, however.<\/p>\n Mardenborough effortlessly moved through the gears, impressing on the track and travelling the world racing.<\/p>\n He\u00a0 has enjoyed a remarkable rise from bedroom racer to pro speedster to helping with the Hollywood production of his own story.<\/p>\n He did many of the stunts himself and played a key role in helping ensure the film was as realistic as possible.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a remarkable tale – although one of its darkest moments was tough to process.<\/p>\n In 2015 during a race in Germany, Mardenborough was involved in a smash which killed a spectator.<\/p>\n The Brit escaped with minor injuries but reliving the nightmare was tough.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyone who has done something successful has periods of darkness,\u201d he admitted. \u201cIt was challenging to go back and open all that back up.\u201d<\/p>\n The film – which has former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell playing his mum – has been well-received and now the project is over, Mardenborough, who spent four years racing in Japan between 2016 and 2020, is keen to keep on racing in the United States.<\/p>\n \u201cThis chapter is complete,\u201d he said. \u201cNow it\u2019s on to the future.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/HB-OFF-PLATFORM-VERSTAPPEN.jpg\")
<\/picture>TO THE MAX <\/span><\/p>\nVerstappen on verge of F1 title as he celebrates Japan GP win with ‘kiss’ trophy<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/GETTY_F1-Grand-Prix-of-Japan_SPO_GYI1698259177jpg-JS847439227.jpg\")
<\/picture>JAPANESE GP <\/span><\/p>\nMax Verstappen returns to winning ways as Red Bull claim Constructors’ title<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/AB-F1-COMP-1.jpg\")
<\/picture>TRAGIC LOSS <\/span><\/p>\nF1 tragedy as construction worker killed while setting up for inaugural race<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/HB-OFF-PLATFORM-HAMILTON.jpg\")
<\/picture>‘LEWIS HAMILTRON’ <\/span><\/p>\nF1 fans think Hamilton’s Japanese GP helmet is ‘inspired by Daft Punk’<\/h3>\n
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