Fahmi targets four podium finishes

THE tone was set for the four Formula BMW Pacific races that make up the second weekend of the series in the Asian Festival of Speed (AFOS) Malaysian event that began with Irish Team E-Rain driver Gary Thompson setting the pace that promises to consolidate his championship lead, while Fahmi Ilyas raised some hope of local glory. The first practice session yesterday saw 17-year-old Fahmi, also driving for South Korean team E-Rain, clocking third fastest with a time of two minutes 13.372 seconds around the 5.543-kilometre Sepang Circuit, just over a second slower than championship leader Thompson who was fastest with a time of 2:12.298s.

Fahmi believes he had the pace to register his first quadruple podium finish over the weekend, setting himself a target of getting on the podium in each of the four races tomorrow and Sunday.

"The weekend has not officially started but I would like to thank the team for their hard work in setting up a car which I am confident with," said Fahmi.

"There is still much to do but as usual I am always thinking positive.
"It is definitely going to be a tough weekend but I am ready for the challenge especially the target I have set which is for podium in all races."

Dominic Ang of the Holzer-PFX team was the next best Malaysian in sixth spot, managing 2:14.096s, while his teammate and best-placed Malaysian in the championship Calvin Wong, who is fourth, was a poor ninth yesterday with a time of 2:14.496s.

Fahmi starts the weekend ninth in the championship on 10 points, 18 points adrift of leader Thompson.

He will also be looking at ending Malaysia's winless run since the 2007 championship, then known as Formula BMW Asia, which was won by Jazeman Firhan Jaafar.

RESULTS
Free practice:
1 Gary Thompson (Irl) E-Rain 2:12.298s
2 Chris Wootton (Aus) Eurasia 2:13.308s
3 Fahmi Ilyas (Mas) E-Rain 2:13.372s
4 Axcil Jefferies (Zim) Eurasia 2:13.719s
5 Rio Haryanto (Ina) Meritus 2:14.014s
6 Dominic Ang (Mas) Holzer PFX 2:14.096S
7 Akhil Kushlani (Ind) E-Rain 2;14.266s
8 Cao Hong Wei (Chn) Ao's Racing 2:14.353s
9 Calvin Wong (Mas) Holzer PFX 2:14.496S
10 Fahad Algosaibi (KSA) E-Rain 2:14.567s
11 Dustin Sofyan (Ina) Meritus 2:14.920s
12 Muhd Alif Jafri (Mas) Holzer PFX 2:14.993s
13 Steel Guiliana (Aus) Atlantic 2:15.787s
14 Antonio Martinez (Spa) Eurasia 2:16.679s

Source: www.nst.com.my

Fahmi's Target For Quaruple Podium Finish (Grid Gossips)

MALAYSIAN driver Fahmi Ilyas is all set in his quest for a quadruple podium finish in Round 2 of the 2009 Formula BMW Pacific race which is held in conjunction of the Asian Festival of Speed at the Sepang International Circuit this weekend (May 29-31).

Fahmi, 17, who drives for Team E-Rain Racing clocked the third fastest time in the official test session at the circuit yesterday in which he is confident to improve as thee weekend gets on the way.

The London based Kuala Lumpur born was 1.074s off Irish teammate Gary Thompson who clocked 2:12.298s.

“The weekend has not officially started but I would like to thank the team for their hard work in getting me a car which I am confident with,” said Fahmi.

“There is still much to do but as usual I am always thinking positive. It is definitely going to be a tough weekend but I am ready for the challenge especially the target I have set which is for podium in all races,” said Fahmi.

Fahmi was in the top pack throughout the day clocking the best time of 2:13s in the third official test session.

“It is still too early to say what my chances are but it is surely going to be an exciting four races.

Since its debut in 2003, Formula BMW Pacific has quickly become the region’s premier entry-level junior racing series, providing young karters with optimal opportunities to transition into single-seater racing.

The series races at some of the region’s premier events such as September’s 2009 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and November’s season-closing Macau Grand Prix.

In addition to the showcase events, Formula BMW Pacific also provides plenty of track time for the drivers to gain experience, in this case at the Asian Festival of Speed weekend.

Source: Grid Gossips

Fahmi All Set To For Round 2 Action (Grid Gossips)

AFTER rather a long break, Malaysian racing sensation Fahmi Ilyas is back on the grid.

The 17-year-old Formula BMW Pacific driver will be on the starting grid for four races in this weekend’s race in conjunction of the Asian Festival of Speed at the Sepang International Circuit.

“Although it has been a long break between Round 1 in April, it is to my advantage. I have taken the opportunity to study and analyse the circuit and the car,” said the London based lad.

Besides studying his weaknesses and strengths, the Team E-Rain driver, who was favourite to bag a double podium in the opening round, has been watching as much races as he can to keep his race craft sharp.

“I was in Brands Hatch with mentor and manager Aaron Lim to get first hand experience on how the big boys do it. I have been every eager to get into the race seat since then and I am hoping to do very well at Sepang this weekend,” said Fahmi.

The Kuala Lumpur born Formula BMW Pacific debutant could have made the historic start to his single seater career in the season opener in April as he was on the pace for a double podium finish.

However, due to rookie racing incidents Fahmi failed to keep the pace and finish outside the podium positions.

“It was really a case of first time jitters I suppose. Nevertheless, I am very much determined and confident of my chances this weekend.”

“I am targeting to score as much points as possible and also to get on the podium for all races,” said Fahmi.

Leading the charge in both the drivers classification and the Rookie Cup is Ireland’s Gary Thompson who is also Fahmi’s teammate, who came away from the opening rounds with a pole position, one win and another podium finish.Since its debut in 2003, Formula BMW Pacific has quickly become the region’s premier entry-level junior racing series, providing young karters with optimal opportunities to transition into single-seater racing.

The series races at some of the region’s premier events such as September’s 2009 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and November’s season-closing Macau Grand Prix.

In addition to the showcase events, Formula BMW Pacific also provides plenty of track time for the drivers to gain experience, in this case at the Asian Festival of Speed weekend.

Source: Grid Gossips

Red Bull Rookiws Ready For 1000KM Battle (SIC)

Inspired by their commendable performance in their debut at the Merdeka Millennium Endurance race (MME) last year, the all-ladies racing team RedBull Rookies has now penned their names for the inaugural Sepang 1000km, which is scheduled from June 4 to 6 at Sepang Circuit.

But, instead the company of highly experienced Philippa Yoong, who helped the team to sixth position in Class B in the 12-hour race, ‘oldies’ Leona Chin and Putri Ayu Jasmin Abdul Hamid would now be sharing the Honda Integra DC2 mean machine with newcomers Nur Hayati Omar and Diana Chin.

While the capabilities of Putri Ayu Jasmin and drift queen Leona had been recognized, the driving standard of the 24-year old Hayati and Diana, 22, under real racing conditions had yet to be tested. Chief instructor Kenvin Low of Asia Advanced Driving Academy, however, is optimistic.

“They were the best of a huge number of aspirants. And, both Diana and Hayati had responded well to our training programme. They are both very good drivers … they should provide strong support for Putri and Leona. The whole team is very excited and really looking forward to the race,” added the seasoned MME contestant and SIC’s regular safety car driver.

Immediately after the MME success, Red Bull immediately convened their second search for lady drivers to compete at the MME. But, with changes to the 12-hour race; their focus were immediately shifted to the new Sepang 1000km, which should run up to 10 hours depending on the weather.

Offering two categories of competition, the RedBull Rookies would be challenging the men in Class 1 for cars with engine capacity between 1601cc to 1900cc. The other is Class C for cars with engine capacity below 1600cc.

Source: Sepang International Circuit

PROTON R3 Is All Set To Take The Inaugural Sepang 1000km in June (SIC)

Spurred by their victorious collaboration at Sepang 12-hour Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race (MME) last year, Team Proton R3 and X1-R are joining forces again – this time at the inaugural Sepang 1000km in June which the team aimed to top Class 2.

“We can confirmed that we are putting two entries – a Proton Neo R3 and a Proton Gen2 R3. We still finalizing the drivers’ list; but for sure, they would be led by Malaysia’s top saloon car driver and Proton R3 test driver Faidzil Alang,” said team coordinator Najmi Razak.

Winner of the MME overall title in 2008 in a Proton R3 Lotus Exige 300RR with Tengku Djan Ley and Damien French of Australia, Faidzil won Class B last year in a Proton Neo R3; partnering former Proton Production Car Championship winner Mohd Hafizy Hafiz and Shafique Ali.

“The two race cars are currently being built fresh with last year’s winning car being used for testing and reference for development. Basically, we have not done any major work for the Sepang 1000km except from installing a newly developed Campro engine.

While the engines are being installed with new components to increase performance up to 15 percent, Najmi said the other emphasis given in the development was to ensure durability and enhancing reliability of the engines.

“The race should be run about nine hours. So, it is vital to give confidence for the drivers to push hard throughout the race. There are no major changes on the chassis though … just some small additional adjustments,” said Najmi.

“The team is really looking forward for battle as we are made to understand that all of the local drivers will be taking part apart from the Australian and Singaporean drivers. But, we will be ready for any challenge and we are now currently working on further improving the pitstop routines and upgrading the pit equipment and tools.

“Without doubt, it is going to be a great competition. We will be working hard; but you know us, we aim to have an enjoyable, fun time as well working in the pits,” added Najmi, who commended Sepang International Circuit in creating the new Sepang 1000km Race to provide more competitive racing opportunities for local drivers.

Source: Sepang International Circuit

Imran All Set To Take I.S Racing To The Top (Grid Gossip)

Imran (centre) with drivers Farriz (left) and Rahul (right) and the rest of the crew at the Sepang Go-Kart Circuit.

IT seems only natural for racing drivers to eventually turn into team bosses.

So is the case with ex-Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong with Axle Racing Team, Nik Iruwan Nik Izani with BHPetrol.Iru Racing Team and Aaron Lim with RL Karting, owned by his father Richard.

Following the footsteps of Malaysia’s top single seater drivers is another underrated talent Imran Zaharias Shaharom.

For the passion of fast cars on hard circuits, the 19-year-old Formula BMW driver set up I.S Racing Team to give back to the sport.

Interestingly, 2009 is his debut season as team principal and after two rounds, the team is already an outfit with great potential.

An accounting undergraduate, Imran led his team to chalk up double podium finishes for two of his drivers in Sunday’s Yamaha SL Cup Round 2 at the Sepang Go-Kart Circuit.

Junior driver Rahul Raj Mayer won Race 1 and finished second in Race 2, while Farriz Fauzy, younger brother to Renault World Series driver Fairuz, managed a double second place finish in both races.

“We definitely have a long way to go but early rewards are very encouraging and motivating for me and the team,” said Imran who is a product of the Petronas Formula Xperience, Malaysia’s most prestigious racing school.

Despite early success with I.S Racing, Imran, who competed in the 2007 and 2008 Formula BMW Asia season, has not put a full stop to his racing career.

“I have assignments which require me to get in and out of cars at various circuits around the world so I have to stay fit at all times. Juggling between being a driver and team boss can be stressful but I have a good team and it has been great working with them,” said Imran.

Imran, who has also been a household name in the local karting scene believes his team’s potential beyond their expectation.

“We are a young team with young team members and so we are determined to make Malaysia proud by being the best,” he said.

Besides Rahul and Farriz I.S Racing have two other drivers (Wan Dassila and Mohamad Rahami) who compete in the Rotax Max Championship.

Like every other team, I.S Racing has set a long term target to be competing in the world level but with the national title as the first achievements.

“Of course we would like to be regional champions and a team which produces top class drivers especially Malaysians,” said Imran.

I.S Racing will next compete in the Round 3 of the Yamaha SL Cup on June 14 followed by RMC Round 3 on June 28.

Interestingly, both races will be held at the Sepang Go-Kart Circuit.

Source: Grid Gossips

Aaron has a month to finalise funds for Formula Renault Eurocup (New Straits Times)

By: ARNAZ M. KHAIRUL


HAVING done and dusted the A1GP season, Aaron Lim wants to get back into the driver's seat and put some serious racing under his belt this season. The lack of racing in the past two years has been brought about by shortage of funds, but this year a mouthwatering offer from Britain's Fortec Racing has, as yet, remained untouched.

Aaron received the E145,000 (RM667,000) offer to do the full season of the Formula Renault Eurocup two months ago, but still hasn't started the season with sponsorship yet to be finalised.

The last piece to the jigsaw, Aaron said, is in the hands of A1 Team Malaysia's chief executive officer Jack Cunningham, who is among the 24-year-old's main backers.

With two rounds of the championship -- in Catalunya, Spain and Spa Francorchamps, Belgium last weekend -- already completed, Aaron has five more rounds in which to make an impact.
"That also means I require less money, as the deal was calculated on a race-by-race basis. I have some of the budget, but still not the full amount required to do the series," said Aaron, who is in desperate need of racing time.

The lack of racing seemed to have affected Aaron's performance in the final round of the A1GP in Brands Hatch, England two weeks ago as the driver struggled to match the pace of even the mid-pack.

He has exactly a month to find that final piece of the jigsaw if he wants to get started in the Formula Renault Eurocup, as the next round is at the Hungaroring in Hungary on June 13-14.

Source: www.nst.com.my
Image courtesy of A1 Team Malaysia

Fauzy Honoured With BRDC Membership (A1TM)

A1 Team Malaysia driver, Fairuz Fauzy, has been given the special honour of being elected to the elite British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC). His on track success has earned him the recognition necessary to become part of this exclusive club. Fauzy is now a Full Member of the BRDC, an entitlement only open to racing drivers. He joins a select group, including current motor racing stars Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, as well as former racing personalities, such as Formula One World Champion, Damon Hill, who is also the Club President.

Fauzy has bases in Malaysia and the UK. He is only a stone’s throw away from the BRDC Clubhouse when he is at his UK home. The BRDC headquarter is located close to the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire.

Fairuz commented, “It is an honour to be a member of such a prestigious and elite organisation. The BRDC is a unique motor racing club, which only top racing drivers are invited to join. I am very proud to have been elected as a member and to represent such a historic club. I am really looking forward to taking my family and friends into the Clubhouse to watch the races and to be involved with the club and its important activities in motor racing.”

The BRDC membership is only available to racing drivers who are born within the UK or a Commonwealth country, and the entry criteria to the Club remain very strict with Full Membership offered only to those who have attained international success over a number of seasons.

Jack Cunningham, Chief Executive, A1 Team Malaysia adds, “We offer Fairuz our warmest congratulations on his election to the British Racing Drivers Club. We are delighted that Fairuz’s success with A1 Team Malaysia has helped him to achieve the strict entry requirements. He joins Alex Yoong as one of the few Commonwealth drivers in the Club and with both drivers having driven for A1 Team Malaysia, we are delighted with this news.”

Source: A1 Team Malaysia

Formula BMW Europe: Round 1 - Barcelona

 Free Practice

Jazeman start his new season on a high when he set the fastest time of the practice session. He clocked 1:51.416 around the 4.655 kilometre track. Kazeem Manzur of Josef Kaufmann Racing set 1.51.900 in second and third place Michael Christensen clocked 1.51.914.

Qualifying

Jazeman qualified 6th for the first race and 5th for the second race. His fastest and second fastest time were 1:51.897 and 1:52.006 where fastest lap determine the grid position for Race 1 and second fastest lap taken to set the Race 2 grid position. Eurointernational’ Luiz Felipe Nasr will start both race from pole after setting 1:51.470 and 1:51.727 in the qualifying session.

Race 1

Jazeman had an impre­ssive start to the season by claiming his first podium finish in Race 1. He finish the 13 laps race in 25:29.402, 2.051 sec off the race winner. Denmark’s Michael Christensen takes his first ever Formula BMW win in his career.

Jazeman on his third place finish:

“It was quite a good day as I started from sixth. | had a tough fight with Frijns and Tarancon, but managed a podium spot so am quite happy. I managed to catch up to Frijns after the Safety Car and I was up to him by the end of the straight. I never stopped pushing from the start of the race. We will see what happens tomorrow and hope for a good result.“

 

 Race 2

Jazeman finished the second race in 7th place, he had a contact with Kazeem Manzur of Josef Kaufmann Racing on lap 3. Jazeman was able to continue the race while Kazeem were forced to retire from the after the collision. Brazilian Luiz Felipe Nasr won the second race from pole.

Jazeman are now 5th place in the championship with 32 points while Luiz Felipe Nasr lead the championship with 56 points.

The next race will be held on Zandvoort, Netherlands on 12-14 June as the support race of The Masters of Formula 3 race.

Source: www.nst.com.my, Motorsport.com

Photos - Jazeman on podium, Race 1 - Barcelona

Images courtesy of BMW Motorsport.