Tribute to Malaysian Drivers

2011 Racing Season Summary

2012-02-08T04:07:00.000+08:00

Fairuz Fauzy

© Jon Beale

Formula One -Lotus Renault GP - Test Driver
GP2 Asia - Super Nova Racing - 14th (1 pts)
GP2 Series - Super Nova Racing - 18th (5 pts)
F.Renault 3.5 - Mofaz Racing - 22th (15 pts)

Jazeman Jaafar

© Paul Allen

British F3 - Carlin Motorsport - 6th (187 pts)
F3 International Trophy - Carlin Motorsport - 7th (21 pts)
Macau GP - Carlin Motorsport - 8th
SPEED Euroseries - Lanan Racing - Not Classified

Fahmi Ilyas
British F3 - Fortec Motorsport - 21th (7 pts)
Euro F3 Open - Team West-Tec - 12th (30 pts)
F.Renault 2.0 - Fortec Motorsport - Guest driver

Afiq Ikhwan

© Meritus GP

JK Racing Asia Series - Meritus GP - 2nd (285 pts)

Nabil Jeffri
JK Racing Asia Series - Petronas Mofaz Racing - 3rd (186 pts)

Irfan Ilyas
JK Racing Asia Series - Petronas Mofaz Racing - 4th (135 pts)

Freddie Ang
JK Racing Asia Series - Petronas Mofaz Racing - 6th (97 pts)

Akash Neil Nandy
JK Racing Asia Series - Meritus GP - 7th (91 pts)

Hiqmar Danial
JK Racing Asia Series - Petronas Mofaz Racing - 8th (77 pts)

Aaron Chang

© Formula Pilota China

JK Racing Asia Series - Eurasia Motorsport - 9th (67 pts)
Formula Pilota China - Eurasia Motorsport - 14th (18 pts)

Natasha Seatter

© Formula Pilota China

JK Racing Asia Series - Eurasia Motorsport - 10th (40 pts)
Formula Pilota China - Eurasia Motorsport - 13th (18 pts)
MME - Scirocco R-Cup - 19th overall

Weiron Tan

© MotorTrader.com.my

Malaysia Super Series (Sport Production) - 1st (80 pts)
AirAsia Team Lotus Driver Development Program
JK Racing Asia Series - Eurointernational - Guest driver

Dominic Ang
Super Taikyu  - Petronas Syntium Team - 1st (136 pts)
MME - Petronas Syntium Team - 1st overall

Fariqe Hairuman
Super Taikyu  - Petronas Syntium Team - 2nd (93.5 pts)
MME - Petronas Syntium Team - 3rd overall

Ooi Fei Hoong
Super Taikyu  - Petronas Syntium Team - 2nd (93.5 pts)

Tunku Hammam Sulong
GT Asia Series (GT3) - Arrows Racing - 4th (106 pts)
ADAC GT Masters - Reiter Engineering - Not Classified

Alex Yoong

© Sepang Circuit

MME - Belgian Audi Club - 5th overall
SEA Games (Water Skiing) - Team Malaysia - 1 Gold 1 Silver

Aaron Lim
MME - Pauian Archiland Absolute Racing - 10th overall

Sepang 1000km - Tedco Racing - DNF

Bryan Mehta Wins All Stars Karting Malaysia Invitational

2012-02-06T18:33:00.004+08:00

The sensational 17 years old driver from Malaysia, Brian Homi Mehta won the strong field KF2 race in All Stars Karting Invitational 2102, ahead of his compatriot Nik Azri Syazwi and Rahul Raj Mayer. Andrew Tang from Singapore and Chang Mun Shien from Malaysia finished 4th and 5th respectively. Fairuz Fauzy also took part in this event and finished 11th out of 20 drivers.

The drivers were lucky to be able to race in such a good weather in Sepang International Kart Circuit, Malaysia, despite the heavy rain during practice days. 46 top drivers around Asia including 7 from Japan took part in this invitational race organized by Langkawi Motorsport Club (LMC) and sanctioned by Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM). Yamaha Cadet and Yamaha Junior drivers all race with organizer prepared engines and karts. 40 units engines supplied by Yamaha Japan with chassis prepared by RL Karting.

Dhummatorn Siri O Wattana from Thailand won the Yamaha Cadet ahead of Japan top driver, Taiga Imoto who was dominant in all heats and pre-final race. Muizzuddin Musyaffa, Malaysian top driver also secured a spot on the podium. In Yamaha Junior, Japanese karter Hiromi Inoue won the race 0.45 second in front of Krisna Raj Mahahdik from India. Another Japanese driver Ryusei Kato finished 3rd. Both Dhummatorn and Hiromi Inoue brought back YAMAHA Engines as their prizes, sponsored by Birel Pacific.

In Sonik Sports, Tatsuya Ukai from Japan took the chequered flag ahead of his compatriot Daichi Nagano and Jeremy Nyam from Malaysia.

A new bright star driver, Lee Wai Cong crossed the finishing line 1st to take his maiden victory in KF3 race. Amir Azhan Safuan completed the closest race in 2nd spot and Krishna Raj Mahadik finished in 3rd spot. The AirAsia Team Lotus Development Programme driver, Daim Hishammudin a bit unlucky in Final after being dominant all heats and pre-final races, finished in 5th place.

Source: KartingAsia.com

British F3: Jazeman Jaafar Completes Carlin's 2012 British F3 Line-up

2012-02-04T13:33:00.002+08:00

Carlin’s Cooper Tires British Formula Three International Series 2012 driver line-up has been finalised with the announcement that Jazeman Jaafar will drive for the team in the upcoming season. The 19 year-old Malaysian starts his third season with the Carlin team, having continued to impress the Surrey based squad with his development in the junior categories.

Jaafar’s career has seen him compete in the Asian Formula Renault 2.0 series before moving to the Formula BMW Asia Championship in 2007 where he ultimately secured the championship taking 10 wins along the way. Jaafar spent two years competing in Formula BMW Europe before moving to the British F3 Championship with Carlin in 2010.

His solid 2011 British F3 campaign with Carlin saw the PETRONAS-supported driver rack up four podiums and a string of points finishes putting the young Malaysian sixth in the overall championship standings.

The young Malaysian’s final 2011 race in Macau proved to be another great showing despite the weekend’s difficult conditions – finishing the race in an impressive eighth position after making his way through the field.

Jaafar completes Carlin’s five driver 2012 line-up following the announcement of his team mates Carlos Sainz Jr, Jack Harvey, Harry Tincknell and Pietro Fantin.

Speaking about his upcoming season with Carlin Jaafar said, “Having the continuity of staying with Carlin is vital to me. It means that we can hit the ground running with the new model of car which we’re all racing this season and as I know all the mechanics and have built a good rapport with my engineer, we’ll be straight into the development work from the first test of the year.”

Trevor Carlin added, “Jazeman had a really strong year with us in 2011 and I’m delighted and proud that PETRONAS entrusted us with developing Jazeman’s career further in 2012. He proved last season that he was consistent front runner who was always in the hunt for podiums. If he continues to drive in the same way that he did last year it definitely won’t be long before he’s on the top step of the podium.”

The 2012 British F3 season gets underway on the 6th/7th April at Oulton Park.

Source: www.carlin.co.uk

Guessing game

2012-01-30T23:31:00.003+08:00

Sponsors keep Afiq on the edge

Afiq Ikhwan hopes of moving up into the Formula Renault Eurocup are in doubt.

THE silence from his sponsors has kept Afiq Ikhwan Yazid guessing what comes next as his career enters a stuttering patch but the 21-year old driver is not losing too much sleep.

A third season in the JK Racing Asia Series (JKRAS) appears to be Kajang-born Afiq's only clear option with hopes of moving up the ladder into the Formula Renault Eurocup all but over.

Having finished an agonisingly close second in the championship last year, Afiq is not looking forward to another season in the JKRAS but would not be disappointed to remain there.

"It's all quiet right now, which looks like the JKRAS again would be my best option. But we don't really know yet, as it is up to the sponsors," said Afiq.

Afiq last week ran a few set-up tests with the MeritusGP team at the Sepang Circuit, but did not view that as serious pre-season preparation in anticipation of a programme in the JKRAS.

"I was just there to help out the team to test some parts on the car and that was about it. It doesn't mean that I'm going to be doing another season in the JKRAS either," said Afiq.

"But the plans are there. It is one of the plans, that if there's no other option, I would go back to the JKRAS and this year try to win every race and the championship."

Meritus GP team principal Peter Thompson has stated that the team would continue to back Afiq, whom he regarded as one of the best drivers the Malaysian outfit has ever had.

Thompson had stated that a championship winning season in the JKRAS would be in the team's plans with Afiq, should negotiations for a move up into a higher series either break down or if sponsorship isn't available.

"I'm okay with that. At this moment, I can only leave it to the team and the sponsors to decide. I'll do what they want," said Afiq.

Source: www.nst.com.my

Alex and Crofty nick the Nissan GT-R (2010 FIA GT1 World Championship)

2012-01-26T16:32:00.000+08:00

Alex Yoong and David Croft take to the track at Brno in a Nissan GT-R

Gulf 12 Hours: Mission Accomplished

2012-01-26T16:11:00.003+08:00

Posted on: January 20th, 2012

It’s amazing how things happen when you least expect it. Against all odds Team 1Malaysia FXPRIMUS Aylezo took the chequered flag in second place after a dramatic Gulf 12 Hours race.

Drivers Hiqmar Danial and Jazeman Jaafar had to nurse a car that had niggling problems and at the last two hours, a gearbox problem cropped up.

“I don’t know how the gearbox is holding up, if one bearing gives way the whole car will just come to a standstill,” said Team owner Zen Low two hours before the end of the race.

Earlier though the car seemed to have it all together and was even beginning to chip away at the lead the first car, an Aston Martin Vantage GT4, had built up. But ultimately the distance was just too much and the team took a well-deserved podium step.

A series of reliability issues had forced the team to call the Lotus 2-Eleven back into the pits a number of times throughout the race, and at one point an engine misfire forced the car to pit for close to an hour.

Both drivers then resorted to taking matters into their own hands and after exchanging notes on which part of the circuit they could best shave off time from the front runners, the pair got down to what they do best. At one point, both drivers were lapping close to five seconds faster than the leading Aston Martin.

Just for the record, Team 1Malaysia FXPRIMUS Aylezo were the only team on the grid that had two drivers as third driver Zen Low was forced to sit out after some issues cropped up regarding his racing license. Both Jazeman who is 19 and Hiqmar, 17, also happen to be the youngest drivers in the race.

So for the team to take a podium step when all odds seemed to be stacked up against them is something that no one here would soon forget.

We’re back at the hotel room after a long day and tomorrow our long journey back to Malaysia begins. At least we will have good memories to speak about, and trophies to show off.

by Keshy Dhillon

Source: Top Gear Malaysia

Fairuz Fauzy 2010 Malaysian GP onboard

2012-01-26T16:05:00.002+08:00

GP F1 2010 Malaisie EL1 Fauzy caméra embarquée Vidéo F1-VIDEO sélectionnée dans Moteurs

Melvin Moh 2012 Toyota Racing Series crash

2012-01-26T16:02:00.001+08:00

ETEC Motorsport driver Melvin Moh suffers a horrifying moment in testing for Round 3 of the 2012 Toyota Racing Series at the Taupo Motorsport Park. After contact with another car earlier in the session, a component failure at 220kph sent Moh on this thrillride.

Source: ETEC Motorsport

Ron to drive in JK Racing Asia Series

2012-01-17T02:58:00.000+08:00

Eurointernational have signed Malaysian driver Ron Tan (pic) for this year’s Formula JK Racing Asia Series, formerly known as Formula BMW.

The 17-year-old Kuala Lumpur-born will run the full schedule after an impressive debut with Eurointernational in the final round of the 2011 season, finishing fourth twice in his rookie outing in open wheel cars.

Ron, after a winning history in the Asia Karting Championships, had participated in the 2010 PFX Formula BMW School in Sepang and won the 2011 Lotus Super Cup Asia as well as 2011 Renault Megane ES Series in Malaysia.

He was spotted by racing veteran and former Asian Formula 2000 champion driver Ng Wai Leong, who persuaded the youngster to pursue motorsport further.

He is also the only Malaysian among the six youngsters selected for the AirAsia Team Lotus driver development programme.

“He has been very impressive and we have been working hard to make 2012 a winning year for us,” said Eurointernational team principal Antonio Ferrari.

“We have scheduled an intensive testing programme in Asia and Europe to prepare him in the best way possible for the new season.

“Our engineer, Nicola Sgotto will focus only on our Asian programmes, heading our Malaysian operation at Sepang with an increased effort on our entire racing plans in the series,” he added.

Source: thestar.com.my

JKRAS: EUROINTERNATIONAL with Malaysian Driver WEI RON TAN in the 2012 Formula JKRAS

2012-01-09T13:51:00.000+08:00

Eurointernational is pleased to announce to have signed driver Wei Ron Tan for the 2012 Formula JK Racing Asia Series (FJKRAS).

The 17 year old Malaysian Driver from Kuala Lumpur will run the full schedule of the 2012 FJKRAS after an impressive debut with Eurointernational in the Sepang, 2011 season Finale of the Series, finishing twice fourth at his rookie debut in open wheel cars. Wei Ron Tan, after a winning history in the Asia Karting Championships, has participated in the 2010 PFX Formula BMW School at Sepang, and has won the 2011 Lotus Super Cup Asia and 2011 Renault Megane ES Series in Malaysia.

"Wei Ron was impressive in his debut at Sepang," quote Team Principal Antonio Ferrari, "and since we have been working hard to make possible the 2012 FJKRAS together. We have scheduled an intensive testing program in Asia and Europe to prepare in the best way possible Wei Ron for the incoming season. Our engineer, Nicola Sgotto will focus only on our Asian programs, heading our Malaysian operation near Sepang, with an increased effort on all our entire FJKRAS plans."

"I believe 2012 will be a very competitive year in the FJKRAS," quote Wei Ron Tan, "running with the most experienced Team, Eurointernational, will hopefully help me develop further in technical knowledge and race craft. The members of the Team are great people to work with. While I will be studying at INTO City University, London, I hope to do well in my exams and win the 2012 FJKRAS Championship!"

Wei Ron Tan’s Eurointernational FJKRAS car will be sponsored, among others, by Air Asia ed Iterna.

Eurointernational will run up to 4 cars in the 2012 FJKRAS, with 4 more cars available in Asia and Europe for selected races, offering to the drivers the possibility to test all year around, starting at Sepang, Malaysia next Jan. 16-18, 2012, where Wei Ron Tan will start his 2012 testing program.

Eurointernational is the 2011 Team and Drivers Overall & Rookie Champion, with Lucas Auer, of the FJKRAS and the winningest Team in the Formula BMW history worldwide with 72 wins, 92 podium, 88 poles in 154 races competed, winning 6 Team Championships, 6 Overall Drivers Championships, 3 Rookie Cup and the last World Final.

Source: www.eurointernationalgroup.com

JKRAS: Poor start costs Afiq

2011-12-06T16:45:00.000+08:00

IT was frustration for Afiq Ikhwan Yazid despite the record triumphs that brought his second season in the JK Racing Asia Series to an end at the Sepang Circuit on Sunday. But the 20-year-old will have no time to look back on the disappointments.

Going for a series of winter tests in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 later this month, Afiq is intent on taking the next step in his career.

On Sunday, Afiq registered a sweep of four wins in the final four races of the season, equalling Jazeman Firhan Jaafar's record number of victories in the series.

But the 10 wins in 18 rounds weren't enough, as Afiq scored a total of 285 points in the championship and still lost out to Austria's Lucas Auer of the Eurointernational team by seven points.

"I started the season with bad luck and I wasn't driving really well in the earlier rounds. Mid-season, we bucked up and found the pace and I knew right then that we were capable of winning every race," said Afiq.

"We closed the gap on Auer, but in India (Rounds 13 and 14) we were surprised by Eurointernational who fielded a guest driver specifically to block me and I also crashed out there.

"It was really disappointing not to win the championship, but with 10 wins, I believe we've shown that Meritus is a really strong team. This Malaysian team is capable of beating top European teams like Eurointernational."

Afiq said his future now depends on his sponsor, Petronas, although his record victories and second spot in the championship were the best result by a Malaysian in the series in the past four years.

"I thank the sponsors for the support I've had this year and it is also up to them to determine whether I receive the support to go forward," said Afiq.

"Now my focus will be on the winter tests, where I hope I'll prove myself to make the step up to racing in Europe next year."

Source: nst.com.my

JKRAS: Four wins not enough for Afiq

2011-12-05T16:49:00.000+08:00

AFIQ Ikhwan Yazid delivered a perfect four wins out of four on the final day of the JK Racing Asia Series (JKRAS) at the Sepang Circuit yesterday, but still failed to wrest the championship from Austria's Lucas Auer.

Afiq (centre) with Nabil Jan Al Jeffri (right) and Lucas Auer.

The loss in the title race was also a bitter pill to swallow as MeritusGP driver Afiq, 20, also equalled compatriot Jazeman Firhan Jaafar's record of 10 victories in the series achieved in the 2007 season when the series was known as Formula BMW Asia. That was also the last international single-seater title won by a Malaysian driver.

Starting from pole in all four races after dominating qualifying on Saturday, Afiq cruised to victory in Round 15, the first race of the day, to finish ahead of championship leader Auer, while Petronas-Mofaz Racing's Irfan Ilyas, racing in the midst of his SPM exam, finished third.

Rounds 16, 17 and 18 saw Afiq top the podium again, with Nabil Jan Al Jeffri taking up Petronas-Mofaz Racing's challenge to consolidate his third spot in the championship by finishing behind Afiq and Auer in the second and third races, before taking second spot in the final race after managing to tag behind Afiq and beat the Austrian into the first corner on the fifth lap. Nabil never looked back from then on.

For Afiq, it was a fine winning record to prove his mettle, but the Kajang-born was disappointed to lose the title by just seven points, no thanks to a troubled start to the season and bad outings in Rounds 13 and 14 at the Buddh International Circuit in India last month.

"It was a struggle for me in the early part of the season and that made it difficult. Then when I closed the gap, we didn't do well in India," said Afiq.

"So, I'm quite disappointed because I know we should have won the title. We won 10 races, so we showed that we're a really competitive team."

It was the closest a Malaysian has come to winning the title but what remains is the fact that with the biggest line-up of drivers from the country in the series this year -- with eight Malaysians contesting the JKRAS championship -- the drought will stretch to next season, when Afiq and Nabil look set to move on to higher series.

Source: www.nst.com.my

Jazeman to compete in Speed Euroseries

2011-03-31T14:59:00.000+08:00

Petronas-backed Malaysian driver Jazeman Jaafar will race in the three-day Speed Euroseries at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, beginning tomorrow.

The 18-year-old, who will be competing in his second season in the British F3 International Series, is looking forward to the experience he will gain from the circuit, which will be a venue on the F3 calendar for the first time.

The event this weekend will also see Jazeman partner his coach, Bruce Jouanny, in the Lanan Racing Ligier JS51 Speed Euroseries car for the first time.

“The chance to race at Paul Ricard was a last-minute opportunity, which I jumped at, as I have not raced there and track knowledge is so valuable for the British F3,” said Jazeman.

“Besides that, racing with Bruce is a real bonus because we’re both competitive and we can discuss the car from a shared experience.”

The Speed Euroseries features a mix of sprint and endurance with a total of more than five hours of racing and this will offer Jazeman plenty of track time.

“We have limited time during an F3 weekend and it’s fortunate that Lanan Racing had a car available and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” said Jazeman.

There will be an hour free practice tomorrow morning followed by a 45-minute qualifying session, two 90-minute races on Saturday and a 30-minute sprint race to round off the weekend on Sunday.

Source: thestar.com.my

Formula 1: Fairuz Signs With Lotus Renault GP Team

2011-01-19T03:08:00.000+08:00

Lotus Renault GP is pleased to announce Fairuz Fauzy as a reserve driver for the 2011 season.

The 28-year-old Malaysian joins the team with a wealth of motor sport experience, including significant Formula 1 mileage gained during practice sessions in 2010. He has also raced regularly in the GP2 Series, A1GP, and the World Series by Renault, where he finished as championship runner-up in 2009.

In addition to his Formula 1 duties, Fairuz will return to racing this year in the GP2 series with Super Nova Racing. His car will carry significant branding from Malaysian car manufacturer and Lotus Cars stakeholder, Proton.

Fairuz Fauzy commented: “I want to thank Lotus Renault GP for giving me this opportunity. It’s a real honour to be part of a top team that has achieved so much in the sport and it’s something any driver dreams about. It’s feels especially exciting because of the new partnership with Lotus and I’m very proud to be here at the start of a new era for the team. It’s also a great opportunity for me to improve as a driver and learn as much as I can about Formula 1 so that hopefully one day I can be on the grid myself.”

LRGP Academy

As a reserve driver for the team, Fairuz Fauzy also becomes the first driver to join the LRGP Academy, a programme designed to bring on promising talents and prepare them for Grand Prix racing.

As a member of the programme, he will take part in development work for the team and will have the opportunity to gain further Formula 1 experience in a 2009-spec Formula 1 car, the R29.

The programme is designed to prepare drivers for the demands of Formula 1 competition both on and off the track. Whether attending fitness camps, undergoing media training, or actually getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, it gives drivers the chance to develop a wide range of skills while building a relationship with the team.

Several drivers will be inducted into the programme during 2011 to complete Lotus Renault GP’s reserve driver line-up.

Source: FairuzFauzy.com

Fahmi targets four podium finishes

2009-05-29T12:18:00.002+08:00

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)

2009-05-28T23:50:00.000+08:00

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)

2009-05-27T11:55:00.000+08:00

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)

2009-05-25T12:05:00.000+08:00

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)

2009-05-21T12:16:00.000+08:00

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)

2009-05-20T05:47:00.002+08:00

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)

2009-05-14T16:59:00.001+08:00

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)

2009-05-14T02:25:00.002+08:00

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

2009-05-12T01:02:00.000+08:00

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

2009-05-10T13:59:00.002+08:00

Images courtesy of BMW Motorsport.

Lim Enjoys Chance To Hold Barclays Premier League Trophy (A1TM)

2009-04-30T14:58:00.003+08:00

Aaron Lim has enjoyed many privileges as a member of A1 Team Malaysia and the most recent request was an opportunity he could not refuse. With A1GP racing in Great Britain this weekend the series linked with the Barclays Premier League to offer a few lucky drivers the chance to hold football’s most prestigious trophy when it visited Daytona Karting in Surrey, England.

As an avid Manchester United fan this was one event that Lim could not miss. He took time out from his preparations for the A1GP event at Brands Hatch circuit to see the stunning Barclays Premier League trophy and was delighted to be able to hold this iconic sporting prize.

The current Barclays Premier League trophy was created by Royal Jewellers Asprey of London. Its main body is solid sterling silver and silver gilt, while its plinth is made of malachite, a semi-precious stone. The plinth has a silver band around its circumference, upon which the names of the title-winning clubs are listed. The Barclays Premier League trophy is officially classed as 'priceless' and as such is always flanked by two security officers when on display.

Lim said of holding the trophy, “It was awesome. I will be the envy of my team, family and friends in Malaysia. I’m a huge Manchester United fan and they are one of only four teams to have won this trophy. They are also on course to win it for the third time in a row which means they then get to keep the trophy, so I reckon I was one of the few people to hold it before it goes to the Club’s trophy cabinet at Old Trafford permanently. The trophy is much heavier than it looks and it’s absolutely beautiful. There are some great perks to being an A1 Team Malaysia driver!”

Lim now turns his attention to the upcoming Brands Hatch round of the A1GP series. Recently confirmed as the main driver for this event, Lim has a very special weekend ahead. The series announced yesterday that the planned season finale was cancelled due to the current swine flu outbreak in the host nation, Mexico. Lim will now be racing at the final event of the season.

The Brands Hatch A1GP event starts on Friday with two practice sessions for Lim. A final practice and qualifying session on Saturday will precede the two races on Sunday.

Source: A1 Team Malaysia

Video - Aaron To Race At Brand Hatch

2009-04-21T18:29:00.004+08:00

Source: A1 Team Malaysia

Aaron To Race At A1GP Brand Hatch

2009-04-21T18:16:00.004+08:00

Aaron Lim will make his A1GP race debut for A1 Team Malaysia at the Brand Hatch round of A1GP next month. Aaron had been driving in the rookie session since year 2007 will now have the chance to race for the team.

Aaron says of his reace debut:

“I’ve waited a long time for this and now it has been confirmed I’m both excited and nervous, I love driving the A1GP car and working with such a professional racing team, so to be given the chance to race for my country in this series is a dream come true.

“I’m probably making my debut at one of the more difficult tracks on the A1GP calendar, as Brands Hatch is renowned as one of the most challenging circuits. It is also very much part of the history and heritage of motorsport, so it’s quite a special place to be racing.”

“I’m going to head over to the UK this week so that I can acclimatise to the time change and cooler weather. I will also be preparing for the race weekend by spending some time on the A1GP simulator, which will be a chance to drive the Brands track before the actual race weekend, even though it will be in a ‘virtual’ world. I drove the circuit in the rookie session last season so I do have experience of it, but I haven’t actually raced there – and I haven’t done a pitstop in a race before, so that will be new to me as well. Roll on A1GP at Brands!”

Jack Cunningham, CEO of A1 Team Malaysia:

“I am delighted to have Aaron driving at Brands. It is simply one of the best things that has happened to this team since we started on this journey in November 2004.

“No one should underestimate the standards that now operate in A1GP as evidenced by the grid at Portugal a few weeks ago. Aaron will up against some former F1 drivers and others with very much more experience than himself. It is going to be hard on Aaron to come out and compete at this level for a whole weekend. However, he has earned his chance through the tremendous loyal support he has given the team throughout the past seasons.

“Aaron already has the experience of the new A1GP car and has been working towards the day when he would have this opportunity, so each race weekend he is part of all the engineering activities – walking the track, attending driver briefings and session debriefs, learning as much as he can.”

“A1 Team Malaysia has given Alex Yoong his career's finest results and I think the same is true for Fairuz. Now we have the opportunity to graduate another young man in the team into the upper echelons of motorsport. It will take him some time for him to find his feet but he has a fine team around him to help him along. I know I speak for all the team when I say how enthusiastic I am about this and how much we are all looking forward to it."

Aaron will be the third Malaysian driver to represent the nation in A1GP. Alex Yoong who drive in the first three season has 54 caps for the team, while Fairuz Fauzy, who had raced in 22 races for the team in three of the four seasons of A1GP. Aaron who join the team as "rookie" driver at Mexico round of 2006/07 season and had participated in 15 A1GP events as the rookie driver.

A1GP Brand Hatch, UK will tbe held on 1-3 May 2009.

Images courtesy of A1GP.

WSR Barcelona: Sunday

2009-04-21T02:37:00.003+08:00

Race 2
Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy finish in 7th place for the second race. He started the race 9th place on the grid and with the bright sunshine, the race started on slicks tyres. Fairuz and the other front runners pit in for their mandatory stop and back on track with slick tyres and the rain started to fall. Fairuz had to made another pitstop to change his slicks to wet tyres.

Fairuz climd up to 5th place by the last lap but the race was red flagged and race result were decided on the previous lap. He score 4 points with the position.

Marcos Martinez takes another victory in the second race, while Fairuz's Mofaz Fortec team-mate Sten Pentus finish in second and third place won by Chris Van der Drift.

Fairuz is now in 10th place of the championship with 7 points. Marcos Martinez lead the championship with points. Adrain Valles is in second with 16 points and Chris Van Der Drift currently third with 14 points.

Mofaz Fortec Motorsport is in third place of the team standing with 20 points. Epsilon Euskadi lead the team championship with 30 points.

The next WSR race will be held on Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium on 2-3 May 2009.

Image courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsport.

PCCA: Shanghai - Race 2

2009-04-21T02:29:00.003+08:00

Malaysian driver Tunku Hammam fail to finish the second race at Shanghai. He stopped on the opening lap of the race.

Christian Menzel of Team StarChasewon the 12 laps race. Tim Sugden follow in second and first race winner Rodolfo Avila finish in third.

The region’s premier sportscar series continues next month at Beijing’s Goldenport Circuit at the inaugural Porsche Weekend, the highlight of which will be Rounds 3 and 4 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.

WSR Barcelona: Saturday

2009-04-19T03:32:00.004+08:00

Qualifying Group B
Mofaz Fortec driver Fairuz Fauzy clocked the fifth fastest time of the session of 1:33.568. He advance to Superpole with the 5th position he set. James Walker of P1 Motorsport is the fastest man of the session with 1:33.286.

Superpole
Fairuz finish the Superpole in 10th place with setting 1:33.377. His time is 0.793 second slower than Charles Pic who set the fastest lap of 1:32.584. He moved 1 place up the order as Miguel Molina of Ultimate Motorsport was sent back to 12th place, after being found guilty of using a set of tyres belonging to team-mate Greg Mansell.

Race 1
Fairuz started the race on 9th place on the grid. He finished the race in 8th place and score 3 points. He finished the race 10.539 seconds behind the race winner and his fastest lap in the race is 1:36.806.

Marcos Martinez of Pons Racing won the first race of the season. Bertrand Baguette finsih in second and Adrian Valles finish in third.

Image courtesy of Renault Sport.

MSS Round 1: Saturday

2009-04-19T03:26:00.002+08:00

PERAJUN KRISHNAN sent shockwaves to the Malaysian Super Series Supersixteen pits after emerging fastest in the qualifiers at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.

In the Asian Touring Car Series Cheung Chi Sing was the fastest of the day registering a cool 1:14.132s to be a second ahead of the rest.

Click HERE to view complete report at Pitstop.com.my.

Source: Sepang International Circuit

PCCA: Shanghai - Race 1

2009-04-19T03:13:00.003+08:00

Starting from 9th place on the grid, Malaysian driver Tunku Hammam finish the 12 laps Race 1 in 6th place. He finish the race 35.525 seconds behind the race winner.

GruppeM Racing’s Tim Sugden took victory in the opening round of the 2009 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. Team StarChase racer Christian Menzel finish in second and pole sitter Rodolfo Avila of Asia Racing Team finish in third.

Race 2 will run 12 laps around the 5.5 km Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday, as the support race of 2009 Chinese Grand Prix.

PCCA: Qualifying - Round 1: Shanghai 2009

2009-04-18T16:12:00.001+08:00

Malaysia driver Tunku Hammam had qualify the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia first race of the season in 9th place. He set 2:13.408 around the Shanghai International Circuit had this put him 9th on the grid, 3.028 seconds behind the pole sitter.

Macau racer Rodolfo Avila of Asia Racing Team qualify on pole position. Tim Sugden came in second and Christian Menzel third.

Tunku Hammam will race in Class A this year after winning the Class B title last year.

Race 1 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will run 12 laps around the 5.5km Shanghai International Circuit as part of the 2009 Chinese Gand Prix.

A1GP Algarve 09 - Sunday

2009-04-14T17:44:00.004+08:00

Sprint Race

The start of the Sprint race prodeced early excitement with two incident of New Zealand and Lebanon tangling and followed by Germany and Lebanon clashing. Fairuz Fauzy had carefully avoided both of the incidents and made up ground to seventh place.

Fairuz stayed in 7th place after the safety car pit in, but after his mandatory pitstop, he dropped to ninth place. The team have lost positions due to a wheel nut problem during the pitstop. The race red flagged with three laps remaining as Brazil and South Africa clashed and Fairuz was running in 9th place. But team Switzerland had been given a penalty for a pitstop infringement, Malaysia promoted to eight place and score a single point.

Fauzy said after the Sprint race:

“The car was good, we had to fight hard for our final position and we had a pitstop that was a little slow. There was drama on the first corner and I managed to avoid it, but later in the race I hit a bump which upset the balance of the car, so that will be looked at before the Feature race. However we added another point and that’s important.”

Robert Doornbos score his maiden A1GP win for A1 Team Netherlands. Adam Carroll of Ireland finish in second while Filipe Albuquerque took the final podium position at his home ground.

Feature Race

The Feature race began with drama with pole sitter, Netherlands had electrical problems on the formation lap and Brazil fail to fix the car for the race after the incident during the sprint race. Fairuz losing places on the opening lap. He moved up to 8th place before the first mandatory pitstop. The team suffer wheel nut problems again and drop two positions. Fairuz recovered to ninth place and move up to seventh after South Africa and New Zealand made a contact.

The incident between South Africa and New Zealand had brought out the safety car. As the safety car pit in and return to full speed racing, Monaco, USA and Italy had an accident and all out of the race. This had promoted Malaysia to 4th place with 22 laps to go.

Fairuz dropped behind Narain Karthikeyan after second round of pitstop. However, Fairuz fought back the position on track and back to fourth place just 3 laps before the chequered flag. He maintained the position until the end of the race.

Ireland was given a drive through penalty for overtaking behind the safety car. However the stewards then decided to investigate the incident after the race, allowing Ireland to remain in second position on the track.

After the race, Ireland's penalty was upheld and the team given a 25 seconds penalty. This dropped Ireland to fifth place and Malaysia promoted into the podium placing of third.

“The start was quite difficult. Although Doornbos (Netherlands) wasn’t in his position at the front and there was an empty space where the Brazil car should have been next to me, the cars from behind me shot forward and it was a very busy pack of cars rushing down through the first few corners. There were quite a few incidents and two safety car periods, so it was quite a hectic time out on track, especially with two pitstops as well. The car was very consistent and we were able to run at a good pace, particularly towards the end. I’m pleased we have scored more points for Malaysia”.
"Taking our third podium finish of the season today is a good result for us. It has moved us into sixth place of the overall standings and we're only three points behind France, so we can fight for this as well. We had a good car and this, combined with our teamwork and a strong race strategy – and a little bit of good fortune - ensured we took a top three spot."

Malaysia now 6th place in the championship with 2 more rounds to go. Switzerland top the standing with 88 points.

The next A1GP race will be held at Brand Hatch, UK on 1-3 May 2009.

Saladin lands first blow against Karamjit (New Straits Times)

2009-04-12T11:16:00.000+08:00

SALADIN Mazlan drew first blood in his much anticipated battle with Karamjit Singh in the rain drenched first leg in Round One of the Malaysian Rally Championship (MRC) in Cyberjaya yesterday. Karamjit was initially in the lead but was slapped with a 15 minute penalty for exceeding his time limit in the service park, gifting 2005 MRC champion Saladin and co-driver Arish Qutb Ahmad Khan the overnight lead.

The opening leg was shortened to seven special stages instead of the scheduled 12 due to wet weather.

Defending champion Karamjit of GSR Pennzoil Racing Team was in the lead with a time of 27 minutes and 16 seconds, but his penalty means he starts today from 42 minutes and 16 seconds.

Saladin leads with a time of 29 minutes and 25 seconds on board his Proton Gen2 Turbo, but he will be under pressure from Indian driver Arjun Rao who is close behind with a time of 29 minutes and 31 seconds.

The rally will continue today but the first car goes at 10.13am, instead of 8.43am as previously scheduled. Only two SS will be used today -- SS1 and SS2 -- which will be repeated three times each.

Source: www.nst.com.my

A1GP Algarve 09 - Saturday

2009-04-12T03:40:00.005+08:00

Free Practice

Fairuz finish the morning practice session in 13th place. He done 31 laps around the Portimao track and set the fastest time of 1'32.350. He is 2.235 sec off the fastest lap of 1'30.115 which is set by Robert Doornbos of A1 Team NED. Irish Adam Carroll came in second with 1'30.839, while Swiss Neel Jani finish in third with 1'31.135.

Qualifying

Fairuz qualified in 11th place for Sprint race and 6th place for Feature Race.

Fairuz clocked 1'34.398 in Sprint qualifying 1 and 1'32.929 for Sprint qualifying 2 and this put him 11th place on the grid for the Sprint Race. Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi will start his first A1GP race on pole with laptime of 1'30.875.

While in Feature qualifying 1, Fairuz clocked 1'32.653 and in Feature qualifying 2, he clocked 1'31.025 with the PowerBoost. With the laptime set on Feature qualifying 2, he put himself 6th place on the grid for the Feature Race.

Robert Doornbos, who is quick in the free practice sessions manage to get pole for the Feature Race with 1'30.415.

Fairuz said after the qualifying:

“We struggled to get heat in the tyres during practice, so we were able to improve the car for qualifying. We were lucky to be able to be out on track after the red flag in the first session, so we were able to get a feel for the car, but it wasn’t a great lap as the track was very slippery. In the second run we improved, but it was still slippery and some of the teams used PowerBoost, so it wasn’t a bad effort.

“For the Feature race qualifying we decided to change the car and decided to use the PowerBoost on the last run. Most of the other nations also used their PowerBoost, but we were able to snatch sixth fastest lap for a third row grid start. From this position we are in a good place to try for points, but with two pitstops and a very competitive grid of drivers, it will be very close racing. We need to keep out of trouble, stay reliable and keep up at the front.”

Jack Cunningham, CEO of A1 Team Malaysia conclude the day:

“Starting around the top ten for the Sprint race and comfortably within it for the Feature races give us a fighting chance of good points finishes. It could be tough for the Sprint race with points awarded only to eighth place, but we should be able to take points from our Feature race starting slot. This track does offer quite a few overtaking opportunities and using these, as well as strong race and pitstop strategies will be key for good finishes tomorrow.”

Source: A1GP.com, A1 Team Malaysia
Images courtesy of A1GP.

Learn Now For The Future (Grid Gossips)

2009-04-12T03:17:00.001+08:00

The recent Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit has definitely made an impact not only to Malaysian motorsports but to the world as well.

The washout may have embarrassed F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone who insisted to push the 3pm start to 5pm thus allowing only so much of daylight.

Nevertheless, if there is a lesson to be learnt there, the weekend also had another lesson for us Malaysian especially.

It is a no brainer that there was no Malaysian on the F1 starting grid nor was there any in the GP2 Asia race however, we could have been celebrating with the NegaraKu played loud and proud during the Formula BMW Pacific races.

As the F1's support race for the Sepang stopover, the Formula BMW Pacific starting grid saw four Malaysians in contention of home glory.

Team E-Rain's Fahmi Ilyas led the squad along with Dominic Ang, Calvin Wong and Mohd Alif Jafri representing the Petronas Formula Xperience.

All four showed promising potential throughout the pre-season practices and were quick at the weekend's official Friday session.

So much so debutants Fahmi and Calvin managed to grab position in the first two rows after qualifying for both Race 1 (Saturday) and Race 2 (Sunday).

Then came the Race 1 in which Fahmi and Calvin were quick off the blocks and maintain a steady 1-2 position for the first three laps.

However, being rookies, Calvin pressed Fahmi a little to hard in lap three thus forcing Fahmi to over brake and spin out.

What made it interesting, to avoid a collision Calvin spun out too.

What could have been a Malaysian 1-2 finish ended up in Calvin finishing 7th and Fahmi, 8th.

As a consolation, Alif, who spun out in lap three as well clocked the fastest lap of the race.

Race 2 came along 24 hours later and as you would think the boys would have learnt from their immature kamikaze style of driving in the Race 1, they didn't.

In fact, this time, the stakes may have been raised by the drivers themselves.

With the stands filled, the drivers seemed determined more than ever to get on the podium.

It was almost the same situation and both Fahmi and Calvin where in contention for national pride although running in 5th and 6th position after the start.

However, Calvin seem to have taken things on his own and decided to knock Fahmi out of the race.

He went on the kick-out Axcil Jefferies of Zimbabwe in the Eurasia car a few turns later.

Interestingly, at the back, Dominic and Alif were doing the same, taking out two drivers each.

However, although the presence of the International Federation of Automobile (FIA) where the Formula One Management (FOM) present on that day, the race stewards were all local officials.

Knowing such driving style should be corrected from the start, which in this case, karters such as Fahmi and Calvin graduating to racing cars, the Automobile Association of Malaysia had failed to penalised Calvin and the other PFX drivers.

No action was taken at all. If it was the F1, results would have changed and drivers would be penalised as the series does not take such matters lightly.

Interestingly, the only issue I would like to point out is the stewards. It is a shame to have scrutineers and a race director which have a vast amount of experience and know what they are doing but then be overruled by Stewards who obviously love the statement “No further action will be taken”.

Right now we are at a stage where we have all the ingredients to an exciting season and great motorsport ahead of us and it is important to raise the level and get the credibility everybody expects from the brand BMW.

However, wouldn't it be a better to train our youngsters not to learn to drive emotionally from now as training for them in the future?

Source: Grid Gossips
Image courtesy of Formula BMW Pacific.

Malaysian Rally Championship: Karamjit-Saladin showdown begins (New Straits Times)

2009-04-12T03:14:00.001+08:00

By : Arnaz M. Khairul

Karamjit Singh (left) and his co-driver Jagdev Singh will be hard-pressed to defend their title in the Malaysian Rally Championship this year.

THE long awaited showdown between defending champion Karamjit Singh and Saladin Mazlan is set to spark Round One of the Malaysian Rally Championship in Cyberjaya this weekend.

And in their midst is a threatening Gunaseelan Rajoo who could play spoiler in a battle between the three national champions of the past five years.

Saladin, who took a break from rallying in 2007 to focus on polo -- being part of the national team that won the Sea Games gold medal that year -- this time returns with co-driver Arish Qutb Ahmad Khan on board a power-packed Proton Gen2 Turbo.

The Felda Rally Team duo's car has been reconstructed totally, with most of its equipment taken from a Mitsubishi Evolution 9 which is believed to be capable of posing enough trouble to Karamjit's aspirations for an 11th national title.

If there wasn't much of a challenge for Karamjit of GSR-Pennzoil as he cruised to two consecutive titles in 2007 and last year, this time he has his work cut out.
"The stages are short and we will all be repeating them, so although we have the advantage of experience and probably a better pace notes system, all the other drivers will be able to memorise the stages quickly so we lose our advantage," said Karamjit's co-driver, Jagdev Singh.

"Saladin's car will be very, very fast. It has all the fruit. Super gearbox, strong suspension and a new engine. On paper he is much faster and lighter than us. The only disadvantage he has is that he hasn't had time to test his car."

Gunaseelan, who finished second in last year's championship, will return with the second GSR-Pennzoil Mitsubishi Evolution 9, and he has indicated that he himself will be out to go for the title this time around.

A slightly increased entry list of 29 cars start the first round of the championship, which will feature 24 special stages run over two legs, covering a total competitive distance of 19.22 kilometres.

Source: www.nst.com.my

A1GP Algarve 09 - Friday

2009-04-11T03:24:00.000+08:00

Rookie Session
Aaron Lim was the first Malaysian driver to sample the track. He clocked 1'39.151 and it is the 8th fastest lap of the session. The session was used to prepare for the race weekend. Aaron was given a few laps to learn the track and he quickly on pace and lapping comfortably in the top ten.

The morning session was used by the team to prepare for the weekend. Lim was given a few laps to learn the circuit, having walked round it yesterday with the team’s engineers in preparation for today’s running.

He said after the session:

"I loved the track, although it wasn’t an easy track to learn. There as so many different types of corner with lots of hills and changes in direction and gradient as well as the blind corners, it all adds up to a very special circuit. I would have loved to have more time on this track."

Free Practice
Fairuz take over the car from Aaron for the free practice session in the afternoon. He spent most of his time to put in long runs, earn the track layout and understand the circuit configurations. He finish the session in 15th place with 1'33.745.

He said at the end of his session:

“It was a good session today. I don’t think I’ve been to a track with such changes in gradient; it’s very unique. It’s a big challenge as the setup of the car is so critical. On most tracks the setup of the car is for camber, not for the gradients.

“I need to adjust my driving style and adapt to the different type of track, but I really enjoyed it. We’ll be able to make some improvements tomorrow. In tomorrow’s final practice we can make the progress we need to make.”

Robert Doornbos of A1 Team NED top the session with 1'31.962, New Zealander Earl Bamber came in second with 1'32.030 and Monaco's Clivio Piccione third with 1'32.242.

Jack Cunningham, CEO of A1 Team Malaysia concluded:

“Aaron continued to show us that he can cope with the challenges presented to him. This new track isn’t easy for a driver to learn and to master. In the little time he had on track he gave the team excellent feedback and worked well with the engineers. Fairuz also had a good session and started to work with the engineers on set up developments. There’s a strong field of drivers this weekend, so the times are very competitive. We’ll be looking for improvements tomorrow.”

Fauzy will return to the car for the final practice session tomorrow morning. Saturday afternoon qualifying will set the grid for the two races on Sunday.

Source: A1 Team Malaysia, A1GP.com
Image courtesy of A1GP

Jazeman fourth fastest in Belgium (New Straits Times)

2009-04-08T14:35:00.001+08:00

By : Arnaz M. Khairul

JAZEMAN Firhan Jaafar clocked the fourth fastest time in the opening session of the penultimate official test ahead of the Formula BMW Europe season at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium on Monday. It was a welcome boost for the 16-year-old Eifelland Racing driver, who later eased off to only manage a 17th fastest time in the second session held on Monday afternoon.

But Jazeman, the 2007 Formula BMW Asia champion, could take pride in that he was right on the pace of the trio expected to be the main protagonists in the chase for this year's title -- Dane Michael Christenses, Brazilian Luiz Felipe Nasr and Briton Rupert Svendson-Cook.

Jazeman needed just eight laps out on the 7.004-kilometre Spa Francorchamps circuit, the longest circuit on the calendar, to clock his fastest lap of the test at two minutes 31.455 seconds on Monday morning.

That was just half a second short of Christensen's fastest lap in that session -- 2:30.925s -- the fourth fastest time over the two sessions.

That pace, however, showed that Jazeman could be in the running for spots on the podium, given the closeness of the competition.

Results (Spa Francorchamps, 7.004km)
Session 1:
1 Michael Christensen (Den) Mucke-motorsport 2:30.925s,
2 Luiz Felipe Nasr (Bra) Eurointernational 2:31.258s,
3 Rupert Svendson-Cook (Gbr) Raikkonen-Robertson Racing 2:31.362s,
4 Jazeman Firhan Jaafar (Mas) Eifelland 2:31.455s,
5 Javier Tarancon (Spa) DAMS 2:31.582s;

Session 2:
1 Luiz Felipe Nasr (Bra) Eurointernational 2:30.289s,
2 Michael Christensen (Den) Mucke-motorsport 2:30.633s,
3 William Buller (Gbr) Fortec 2:30.809s,
4 Rupert Svendson-Cook (Gbr) Raikkonen-Robertson Racing 2:31.043s,
5 Timmy Hansen (Swe) Mucke-motorsport 2:31.139s, ...
17 Jazeman Firhan Jaafar (Mas) Eifelland 2:32.320s.

Source: www.nst.com.my

Fairuz Is Raring To Go (Mofaz Fortec)

2009-04-08T04:08:00.001+08:00

Fairuz Fauzy is poised to be the title contender for the 2009 World Series by Renault after completing the final official test session at Barcelona.

“I am feeling confident and it was a fruitful session despite experiencing minor technical glitch with the engine at the end of Day Two” said the 26 year-old MOFAZ FORTEC lead driver after the two-day test at Catalunya Circuit (30-31 March).

“In fact, we managed to test under the tortuous weather conditions, which gave us a lot of inputs to understand the characteristics of the car. The variable weather conditions had given the team to gain extra miles in testing the reliability of the car too. It was sunny, cold and torrential rain throughout the test session”, he added.

Fairuz was second quickest in the morning session on Day Two with 1:33.053, behind pole-sitter, James Walker (P1 Motorsport). However, in the afternoon session, he clocked seventh quickest with 1:56.934 on a wet circuit.

Meanwhile, it was not a session to be for MOFAZ FORTEC second driver, Sten Pentus. After having clutch troubled on Day One, Sten had to skip Day Two due to unprecedented problem with the chassis. The Estonian’s best time 1:33.874 was set in the morning session of Day One.

The team is working hard to get both cars prepared for the opening round. This will be the first time a Malaysian-owned team competing in the championship.

Round One of World Series by Renault 2009 will kick off at the same venue on 18 -19 April.

Source: Mofaz Fortec Motorsport

Fauzy And Lim Return For A1GP Algarve Event (A1TM)

2009-04-07T17:00:00.003+08:00

A1 Team Malaysia will field Fairuz Fauzy as the principal driver for the next round of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, which will be held at the new Portuguese race venue in the Algarve. Up and coming driver, Aaron Lim, will take his regular role as rookie driver for the practice session at the start of the race weekend.

Fauzy will make his 21st start at the sixth round of the 2008/09 season when he lines up on the grid for the Sprint race at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao. This season he took his first A1GP pole and race win, both earned at the opening round in Zandvoort, Netherlands. This season the team has accumulated 32 points from Fauzy’s 10 starts and lies seventh in the World Cup of Motorsport standings.

The previous round of the series was held in Kyalami, South Africa, six weeks ago where the team took home a single point. Fauzy says of his return to the driving seat for the next round, “I’m pleased to be back in the driving seat for another A1GP race weekend. It’s been a long break between races, but it’s the same for us all.

“I’d like to be adding to the points tally that we have so far this season, particularly after the disappointment of South Africa. I had a good grid position for the Feature race but it didn’t turn into a good points finish. I’ve had to live with that for too long; I’m keen to be back at the front for the Malaysian team.”

The long break has not been a time to relax for Fauzy, with preparations starting in earnest for his summer programme of racing in the World Series by Renault. He has completed three multi-day test sessions in Jerez, Valencia and Barcelona, with a strong pace throughout each day.

Aaron Lim is pleased to be driving again with A1 Team Malaysia, saying, “I’ve missed not being around our team over the last few weeks, although they’ve kept me busy with appearances which have been good fun. Due to the tech problems we had in South Africa, I didn’t manage to have many laps at the Kyalami circuit so I’m hoping that I’ll be able to make up for this at the Algarve track. It’s a new circuit, but there have already been F1 cars testing there, so I reckon it should be a good facility.”

Jack Cunningham, Chief Executive, A1 Team Malaysia concludes, “The driver pairing we have run at all events so far this season returns for this race weekend and we’re looking forward to regrouping and building on the experiences we’ve had together. Both Aaron and Fairuz have kept busy, keeping their fitness levels high, and I know they will both be fully prepared for the A1GP weekend ahead.”

The A1GP Algarve, Portugal, race weekend is the first major single-seater motor racing event to be held at this track. It takes place from 10-12 April with a full schedule of races which will provide plenty of entertainment for the spectators.

Source: A1 Team MAL
Image courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsport.

Photos - Mofaz Fortec Barcelona Test

2009-04-07T16:47:00.003+08:00

Click HERE to view the Barcelona Test Pictures at Pitstop.com.my Forum.

Photos - Formula BMW Europe, Season Portrait Shooting

2009-04-07T13:27:00.004+08:00

Group Photo

Jazeman Jaafar, Eifelland Racing

Images Courtesy of BMW Motorsports.

Formula BMW Pacific, Round 1, Malaysia - Race 2

2009-04-06T18:27:00.004+08:00

Calvin Wong - Team Holzer PFX

Calvin Wong finish the rain-shorten second race in 4th place from 5th place on the grid despite sustaining minor damage on his car in the race.

The Team Holzer PFX driver said after the race: "Today I dropped a few places when I had an accident. So it was a good thing the race was shortened as I had a problem with the car."

Meanwhile, Team E-Rain's Fahmi Ilyas fail to finish the second race as he was taken out in an incident on the first lap.

Team Holzer PFX driver Dominic Ang and Muhamad Alif Jafri finish the second race in 7th and 11th place.

Calvin is now 4th in the Drivers Championship and 2nd in Rookie Cup with 11 points. Fahmi is in 9th place in the championship and 5th place in Rookie Cup. Dominic is in 11th place and Alif is in 15th place. Irish Gary Thompson lead the championship with 28 points.

The next Formula BMW Pacific race will held on 22-24 May at Sepang International Circuit again as part of the Asian Festival Of Speed.

Fahmi Ilyas

Race 2:

01. Rio Haryanto (Ina) Meritus 11:27.458,
02. Chris Wooton (Aus) Eurasia Motorsport +4.030
03. Gary Thompson (Irl) Team E-Rain +4.126
04. Calvin Wong (Mas) Team Holzer PFX +8.062
07. Dominic Ang (Mas) Team Holzer PFX +14.140
11. Muhamad Alif Jafri (Mas) Team Holzer PFX +31.476
DNF. Fahmi Ilyas (Mas) Team E-Rain

Source: AFOS.com, New Straits Times, The Star
Images by Liau ZH

Formula BMW Pacific, Round 1, Malaysia - Race 1

2009-04-04T23:09:00.003+08:00

The start

Unlucky day for Malaysian driver in Race 1, Fahmi Ilyas who start on 3rd place shot off the grid at the start, with Team Holzer PFX's Calvin Wong also move up to 2nd place from the second row of the grid.

As the Malaysian pair led the race, it looked as though a 1-2 finish for the Malaysian at their home ground. Unfortunately, it went wrong on lap 4 as both of the drivers miss the breaking point and spunned off, they rejoined the race but back down the order.

Calvin finish the the 10 laps race in 6th place while Fahmi finish in 7th place. While Dominic Ang finish the race in 11th, his rookie PFX team mate Muhamad Alif Jafri is the only driver who fail to finish the race as he spun out early on.

Pole sitter Gary Thompson won the race while Chris Wootton finish second. Indonesian driver Rio Haryanto finish the race in third place.

The Race 2 will start at 14:45 Malaysia time.

Race 1 result:
Pos. - Name (Nationality) - Team - Time
01. Gary Thompson (IRL) Team E-Rain 22:25.054
02. Chris Wootton (AUS) Eurasia Motorsport +3.112
03. Rio Haryanto (INA) Questnet Team Qi-Meritus +4.663
06. Calvin Wong (MAS) Team Holzer PFX +10.205
07. Fahmi Ilyas (MAS) Team E-Rain +14.258
11. Dominic Ang (MAS) Team Holzer PFX +19.907
DNF Muhamad Alif Jafri (MAS) Team Holzer PFX

Image courtesy of Formula BMW Pacific

Formula BMW Pacific, Round 1, Malaysia - Qualifying

2009-04-04T19:11:00.006+08:00

Team E-Rain's Fahmi Ilyas

Malaysian driver Fahmi Ilyas and Calvin Wong had an impressive debut in the series with a solid qualifying session. Fahmi had qualify 3rd place for both of the race on Saturday and Sunday, whil Calvin qualify in 4th place for the first race and 5th place for the second race.

Team Holzer PFX driver, Dominic Ang had qualify in 11th place for the first race and 10th place for the second race. Also making his debut in the series, Muhamad Alif Jafri qualify 12th place for both of the race.

Irish Gary Thompson had stormed to pole position for both opening rounds of the series. Australian Chris Wootton will start both of the race from second place.

Images courtesy of BMW Motorsport.

F1 Fun Kart 2009

2009-04-03T20:03:00.005+08:00

Farique Hairuman

Prior to Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix 2009, Sepang Circuit had organize the "F1 Fun Kart" race on Thursday, which is a race for online contest winners, student race winners and media winners to race with F1, GP2 and Formula BMW drivers.

Several Malaysian drivers were in action during the event, they are Farique Hairuman and Johan Adzmi from Petronas Syntium Team, Formula BMW Pacific driver, Fahmi Ilyas of Team E-Rain. SIC Chairman, Dato Mokhzani Mahathir and CEO Razlan Razali also taken part in the event.

Formula BMW Pacific driver, Fahmi Ilyas

Klien have fun in the kart.

Race Result:

Race 1
1. Davide Rigon - Trident Racing (GP2 Asia)
2. Farique Hairuman - Petronas Syntium Team
3. Johan Adzmi - Petronas Syntium Team

Race 2
1. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Force India F1 Team
2. Edoardo Mortana - Team Arden (GP2 Asia)
3. Irzwan Merican - Unisel

Race 3
1. Christian Klien - BMW Sauber F1 Team
2. Umar Mehdi - The Otomotif College
3. Mohd Shakir Azry - Multimedia University

Race 4
1. Javier Villa - Super Nova Racing (GP2 Asia)
2. Fahmi Ilyas - Team E-Rain (F-BMW Pacific)
3. Adam Hay-Nicholls - Journalist

* Bold for Malaysian drivers.

Click HERE to view photos of the event.

Four Malaysian Drivers in Formula BMW Pacfic 2009

2009-04-01T17:56:00.005+08:00

According to the Provisional Entry List for Formula BMW Pacific 2009, there will be four Malaysian drivers to race in the championship. They are Dominic Ang, Calvin Wong, Muhamad Alif Jafri and Fahmi Ilyas. Dominic Ang, Calvin Wong and Muhamad Alif Jafri will race with Team Holzer PFX while Fahmi will race with Korean outfit, Team E-Rain.

Dominic is one of the four drivers on the track who had competed last season of Formula BMW Pacific. While Calvin, Alif and Fahmi will make their F-BMW debut this season, they also qualify for the Rookie Cup.

Interestingly, all four drivers were part of the Petronas Formula Xperience programme. Dominic graduate from the series on 2007 while Calvin, Alif and Fahmi were 2008 graduates.

The season will kick off at Sepang International Circuit this weekend, as the support race for Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix.

All the best to the Malaysian representative! Good Luck!

Young Fahmi hopes to raise the flag in Formula BMW

2009-03-31T19:40:00.001+08:00

Teenager Fahmi Ilyas has set his sights on making a historical debut in his racing career by winning in the opening round of the Formula BMW Pacific championships in Sepang this weekend.

Along with the GP2 Asia, the Formula BMW Pacific championships are the support races for the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix.

The Negaraku has not been played before in the very first race of the season and Fahmi has every hope of making it heard after topping the times in pre-race practice sessions on Sunday.

“I have been waiting for such a moment to arrive and now I have a chance to make my fellow Malaysians proud. I want to do it,” said the 17-year-old Fahmi, who will drive for Team E-Rain.

Fahmi: I hope the Negaraku will be heard in every circuit I race in.

“I know everyone has an equal chance. I have been working hard to keep fit and the team have been great in getting the car in perfect condition. “

Although I will be making my racing debut, I am calm and confident and eager to get the season started. My target is not just the race in Sepang but for every round this season. I hope the Negaraku will be heard in every circuit I race in.”

The last Malaysian to win the Formula BMW title was Jazeman Jaafar two years ago.

Source: thestar.com.my/sports

Ideal Start As PST Claims 1-2 Finish At Motegi

2009-03-30T15:44:00.002+08:00

It was a solid start for the PETRONAS Syntium Team on Sunday after a 1-2 finish at the opening round of the 2009 Super Taikyu Endurance Series at Japan’s Twin Ring Motegi circuit. Claiming the race victory was the No. 1 BMW Z4M Coupe piloted by Malaysian Fariqe Hairuman and Japanese teammates Masataka Yanagida and Nobuteru Taniguchi. Finishing behind the trio to take second in the sister No. 28 BMW Z4M Coupe was the trio of Japanese Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroki Yoshida and the team’s rookie 20-year old Malaysian driver Johan Adzmi.

Dominant through practice and qualifying sessions, both cars were evenly matched for Sunday’s 400km race. Starting from pole, the team’s BMW Z4M Coupe with the No.1 competition number dominated much of the mid-spring afternoon’s proceedings until the round of stops as the two cars traded the lead of the race. Regaining the race lead in the latter half of the race, the No. 1 BMW Z4M Coupe comfortably led the rest of the field through to the chequered flag en route to claiming its first win of the season.

David Wong, Team Principal: “Without a doubt this is really a positive start for our 2009 campaign in the series! Congratulations to everyone on the team, the engineers, pit crew and the drivers for a incredible job this weekend. The lessons from the past two seasons have been put to good use as we continue to build on our experience and continue to enhance the level of our performance. To get a good result from the opening round is a great boost as we prepare for the rest of the season. Now, the challenge will be to be as consistent if not better. It is a tall order, but I am confident that with a good package we can do it.”

BMW Z4M COUPE, CAR NO. 1, RACE WINNER

Fariqe Hairuman (MAS, Fastest Lap: 2:01.117): “It was a really awesome race and a great start to the season! The car felt really great and I was really happy with its overall pace. It was a fun race especially as everyone was pretty much on a similar pace throughout the weekend. It was also great to see Johan race today as he was really competitive today. When I took over after the stop, it took me a few laps before I could finally overtake him! His progress is phenomenal and I am happy for him!”

Masataka Yanagida (JPN, Fastest Lap: 2:01.005): “This is a fantastic result and a great start for the season, especially winning the opening race! I am really happy with the win and that the team managed to get a 1-2 finish! The race was quite straightforward and I could control everything. My teammates Fariqe and Taniguchi-san did an excellent job controlling the pace all through the race. I am also very happy to see Johan’s race today. He has really bloomed into his role and is getting stronger and more competitive!”

Nobuteru Taniguchi (JPN, Fastest Lap: 2:01.197): “What a way to start the 2009 campaign! It’s always good to start the season on a positive note and what better way than to start with a 1-2 for the team. Everyone has done a great job this weekend and we have a really strong package and I am confident that we can continue this way. Congratulations also to my teammates Fariqe and Yanagida who did a really good job today! Thank you to the team and to our fans who came out to see us race!”

BMW Z4M COUPE, CAR NO. 28, 2nd POSITION

Johan Adzmi (MAS, Fastest Lap: 2:01.947): “Oh my goodness, I cannot even begin to describe how it feels! I am absolutely delighted with the results! Everyone has helped me so much so I want to take this opportunity to thank our team principal David Wong, my engineers, the mechanics and my teammates for their support and encouragement. It was really fun although I must admit I was quite nervous but once the race was underway, I was focused and am happy with the results!”

Tatsuya Kataoka (JPN, Fastest Lap: 2:01.01): “I am really happy that the team managed to get a 1-2 result this weekend at Motegi. This is a really good start for the season! I am also very happy and impressed with my teammate Johan, who produced a very good race. Even though he is quite young, he has demonstrated that he is ready, so I am looking forward for the next races!”

Hiroki Yoshida (JPN, Fastest Lap: 2:01.223): “It felt really good to be back in the car after the long winter break and to come away with a great result for the team feels really even better! Congratulations to our teammates in the No. 1 car for the win! Thank you to the team management, engineers and mechanics for preparing such a great car for us to race in!” The second round of the 2009 Super Taikyu Endurance Series will take place at the Sportsland Sugo circuit from 9 to 10 May.

Source: Petronas Motorsports

Fairuz Fauzy Presented With Youth Achievement Award (A1TM)

2009-03-27T23:13:00.000+08:00

A1 Team Malaysia driver, Fairuz Fauzy, was presented with a special UMNO award at a prestigious ceremony in Kuala Lumpur last weekend. The award recognised Fauzy’s achievements as an icon for today’s youth on the global stage.

Fauzy represents his nation in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, an international motor racing series which travels around the world. Fauzy proudly accepted his award from Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Hj. Abdul Razak, Malaysia’s Prime Minister elect, at an event held at the Putra World Trade Centre in the capital city. The nominations for the award came from 70 overseas UMNO youth clubs worldwide, with over 15000 members.

The 26-year-old Malaysian said of receiving the UMNO recognition, “I am delighted, and humbled, to have been given this very special award. Being a role model for the youth of Malaysia is not only a great privilege it also carries with it a huge responsibility. It is one that I do not take lightly and I will always try to represent my fellow Malaysians, and our nation, to the best of my abilities. Whether I am on the racetrack in a country on the far side of the world or at home in Kuala Lumpur I hope that I inspire young people to follow their dreams. I believe that a dedication to your goal and the determination to succeed are the foundations that you need. Being honoured with this award proves that these principles will be rewarded.”

Fauzy is currently preparing for the next round of the A1GP series which will be held in the Algarve, Portugal, from 10 – 12 April this year.

Source: A1 Team MAL
Image courtesy of A1GP

Wallpaper - Earth Hour (Malaysian Drivers)

2009-03-23T23:23:00.003+08:00

Malaysia First Formula 1 driver, Alex Yoong with Malaysia First "Angkasawan", Dr Sheikh Muszaphar.

Karamjit the "Flying Sikh" with Shebby Singh, ESPN Star football analyst.

Visit earthhour.org.my for more details.

Source: earthhour.org.my

Jazeman clocks sixth fastest time (New Straits Times)

2009-03-22T17:21:00.001+08:00

By: Arnaz M. Khairul

JAZEMAN Firhan Jaafar overcame a slow start to the third two-day official pre-season test for Formula BMW Europe teams at the Silverstone Circuit in England to register a sixth fastest time overall in the final session on Thursday. The 16-year-old, driving for the French Eifelland team, did not ease off the blocks as well as he wanted to despite constantly clocking fastest first sector times on the historic circuit in the first two sessions on Wednesday.

Jazeman, the 2007 Formula BMW Asia champion, ended Wednesday with the 18th fastest time of one minute 54.246 seconds on the 3.194 kilometre circuit in Northampton.

Spaniard Javier Tarancon of the DAMS team topped the time charts on the first day with a time of 1:52.196s, followed closely by Michael Christensen of the Mucke Motorsport team, who clocked 1:52.207s.

The third session on Thursday saw Jazeman show stark improvement, clocking 1:51.912s on the 59th of his 65 laps out in that test.
The session showed just how close the competition could be with the top 14 cars out of 26 all within a second of each other.

Christensen topped the final session with a time of 1:51.495s, followed by Romanian Doru Sechelariu of the Fisichella Motorsport team with a time of 1:51.719s, while Tarancon was third with a time of 1:51.835s.

The Formula BMW Europe season begins with the first round held as a support event for the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix at the Catalunya Circuit on May 9-10.

Source: www.nst.com.my

Photos - Jazeman: Formula BMW Test, Silverstone

2009-03-18T21:40:00.002+08:00

Images courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsport

Photos - Mofaz Fortec Valencia Test

2009-03-17T23:56:00.002+08:00

Click HERE to view photos of the test at Valencia.

Images courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsport.

Birthday Boost For Fahmi

2009-03-17T16:31:00.007+08:00

"I know it’s my birthday but all I can think about his first season in the Formula BMW Pacific and how am I going to win it," said Fahmi who turned 17 today (Mar 17).

"For presents, I want some extra speed and more race luck to help me get the results I want," said Fahmi, who was rather serious about his gifts.

Fahmi Ilyas (centre) posing with some of the most important people in the team which will help him to win the title in his debuting year. From left: Aaron Lim (seated), Fahmi’s driver coach and manager, Team Principal Hongsik Jeon, Fahmi, Team Manager Ingo Matter and Team Engineer Rueben Wong.

Click HERE to view the article.

Source: Grid Gossips

Aaron's season to be confirmed by next weekend (New Straits Times)

2009-03-14T14:05:00.002+08:00

AARON Lim is itching for action but will only have a clear picture of how his race campaign this season will be ironed out by the end of next week. The 21-year-old driver's backers are, at least, interested in the offer from Britain's Fortec Motorsport for a campaign in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, but he must also sort out his duties with A1 Team Malaysia before making any commitments.

A1 Team Malaysia chief executive officer Jack Cunningham is in London, recovering from a virus he contracted during the previous round of the A1GP in South Africa.

Cunningham is among Aaron's main backers, while other parties are also keen to see the promising driver racing competitively in single-seaters for the first time in two years.

The Fortec deal cut by Fairuz Fauzy's manager Jon Beale stands at a mouthwatering RM680,400, which would allow Aaron to do pre-season testing and the full season in the nine-round series that runs in the Super Race Weekend, which features the World Series by Renault as it's main event.
"The official tests are going on right now, so I really want to make sure we can put together everything quickly so that I can be ready for the season if I get the chance," said Aaron.

"But the budget is one thing, my other commitments also have to be sorted out."

The second round of the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium on May 2-3, clashes with the final round of the A1GP at Brands Hatch in the UK.

"For that, Fairuz's priority will be the World Series, so that might be my chance to race in A1GP in Brands Hatch.

"We have to discuss all of this with Jack (Cunningham) before making any final decision as well," said Aaron.

After doing installation laps in rookie sessions for A1 Team Malaysia over the past three seasons, Aaron would also not want to miss his chance to register his long awaited race debut in that series.

Source: www.nst.com.my

Jazeman 11th fastest in second series testing (New Straits Times)

2009-03-14T14:00:00.003+08:00

By : Arnaz M. Khairul

JAZEMAN Firhan Jaafar maintained a promising pace prior to the new Formula BMW Europe season with an 11th fastest time overall in the second series of test sessions of the series in Monza, Italy on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 16-year old, driving for French outfit Eifelland Racing, clocked his personal fastest lap of one minute 59.725 seconds on the 5.793 kilometre Autodromo Nazionale Monza in the second of four sessions on Tuesday.

Jazeman's fastest time eventually ranked 11th fastest among 30 drivers over the four test sessions.

Britain's Ollie Millroy of the Motaworld team registered the fastest time of 1:59.080s overall, which was also set in the second session.

Jazeman, the 2007 Formula BMW Asia champion, started off the two-day tests with a seventh fastest time of 2:00.068s in the first session on Tuesday, which wasn't far off the 1:59.874s lap set by Christensen to top the time charts in that session.
After the fast second session, Jazeman failed to dip below two minutes in his following laps in sessions three and four on Wednesday, but it was an encouraging pace nevertheless with the frontrunners all within striking distance.

This was the second series of pre-season tests. In the first series of tests at the Catalunya Circuit in Barcelona, Spain on March 3-4, Jazeman was third fastest overall.

He started off the first series of sessions in Barcelona with a fastest time in the first session.

The Formula BMW Europe season flags off as a support event for the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on May 8-10.

Results (Overall over four sessions): 1 Ollie Millroy (Gbr) Motaworld 1:59.080s, 2 Michael Christensen (Den) Mucke Motorsport 1:59.124s, 3 Luis Felipe Nasr (Bra) Eurointernational 1:59.197s, 4 Daniel Juncadella (Spa) Eurointernational 1:59.199s, 5 Doru Sechelariu (Rom) Fisichella Motorsport 1:59.303s, 6 Timmy Hansen (Swe) Mucke Motorsport 1:59.368s, 7 Rupert Svendsen-Cook (Gbr) Raikkonen-Robertson Racing 1:59.375s, 8 Javier Tarancon (Spa) DAMS 1:59.375s, 9 Will Buller (Gbr) Fortec 1:59.401s, 10 Jim Pla (Fra) DAMS 1:59.525s, 11 Jazeman Firhan Jaafar (Mas) Eifelland 1:59.725s.

Source: www.nst.com.my

Fairuz getting feel of new car (New Straits Times)

2009-03-14T13:58:00.001+08:00

DESPITE a less than impressive start in the first official pre-season World Series by Renault test in Jerez, Spain, Fairuz Fauzy's confidence levels were raised as he bids to open the season with new team MofazFortec. In fact, the 26-year old driver said he felt a whole lot better in the machine after the two-day shakedown at the Spanish circuit, having spent most of the past six months on board the A1 Team Malaysia car.

"Getting back into the car is easier said than done. I may have not clocked good times but I learnt a lot about the new car's characteristics which is important," said Fairuz.

"I want to know everything about the car before the season begins, especially with the new aerodynamic configuration."

Though Fairuz did not figure in the top 10 spots, he showed consistency in his lap times, clocking better times in every session despite working under difficult settings.
The MofazFortec team had decided to test Fairuz with the same set of tyres for both days. Each team registered for the test, were given three sets of tyres in which the team could use for race days.

"Being a shakedown for Fairuz and the car, we decided to stick to a single set of tyres thus ensuring he works with the hardest conditions," said team principal, Mohd Fauzy Abdul Hamid.

"We also played with the fuel level and other settings to ensure Fairuz is well aware of the car's conditions."

Most of the teams took the first day as an introductory session to the cars, but the pace was cranked up a notch for day two.

Miguel Molina of USR Racing Team set the fastest time ahead of Tech 1 Racing's Charles Pic and Marco Barba of International Draco Racing.

Fairuz started his two-day test with a time of 1:31.794s round the 4.428 km track in the morning session and managed to clock 1:31.638s in the afternoon session.

On the second day of testing on Wednesday, with used tyres, his best time was 1:32.103s.

After Jerez, Fairuz will be traveling to Valencia for the second test session next weekend.

Two weeks later he will be back at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona for the third and final official test session prior to the opening round of the World Series by Renault at the same circuit on April 18-19.

Source: www.nst.com.my
Image courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsport.

Photos - Mofaz Fortec Test

2009-03-14T13:50:00.002+08:00

Photos of Mofaz Fortec Motorsport during Private Testing at Pembrey, UK & First Official Testing at Jerez, Spain can be view at Pitstop.com.my forum.

Pembrey Test
Jerez Test

Images courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsport.

Aaron must raise RM680,400 quickly (New Straits Times)

2009-03-11T14:40:00.002+08:00

By : Arnaz M. Khairul

Aaron has about a month to raise the amount to get his season off the mark.

AARON Lim has a month to find E145,000 (RM680,400) to get his racing season off the ground for the good. The Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup flags off at the Catalunya Circuit in Spain on April 18-19 where the promising Aaron has a mouth-watering offer to line up in British outfit Fortec's colours.

The deal was cut by Jon Beale, Fairuz Fauzy's manager, who has teamed up with the latter to provide their understudy the chance to realise his potential in Europe.

Fairuz will start in Valencia on the same weekend as a MofazFortec driver, after the Malaysian corporation Mofaz's acquisition of the team's World Series by Renault operations last month.

Fortec's Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup operations, however, remains with their British ownership, but Beale has indicated a keen interest within the series to bring to the fore talent from Asia.

The Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup runs as a support and feeder event for the World Series by Renault and as such runs at the same nine venues across Europe this season.

"It is a seriously good deal. You can't even do a full season in Asian series for that money, but here we have on the table an offer to do a nine-round championship," said Aaron.

"But still, we have to first find the money and we have to do it quickly because April 18-19 is not too far away and I have to do some testing before the season starts."

Two years on the sidelines has been enough for the 21-year-old not to take anything for granted and thus, deal or no deal, he pulled on his racing suit and took the Team E-Rain Formula V6 Asia (FV6A) car at the Sepang Circuit yesterday.

"It is just to keep in touch and get myself ready for racing," said Aaron.

The last time Aaron raced a single-seater was on July 21, 2007, one of the most memorable days in Malaysian motorsport, as a grand double was delivered in Round Three of Asian Festival of Speed (AFOS) that year.

Aaron bagged a win and a third place in the FV6A, while a 14-year-old Jazeman Firhan Jaafar won both Formula BMW Asia races that day en route to the title.

Source: www.nst.com.my
Image courtesy of A1GP.

Fairuz expected to be among front-runners (New Straits Times)

2009-03-10T12:30:00.004+08:00

By : Arnaz M. Khairul

FAIRUZ Fauzy begins what could be his busiest period of the season today with the first official tests on board the new MofazFortec World Series by Renault car at the Jerez Circuit in Spain. That while a hopeful Aaron Lim begins what could be a more serious attempt at finding his footing in Europe via the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, that runs as a support and feeder event for the World Series.

Indications are that an irresistable offer is being lined up for the 22-year old Aaron, but whether the A1 Team Malaysia rookie driver can raise the required support is another matter.

It is understood that Fairuz and his management have been instrumental in hooking up the deal for his understudy Aaron, but as yet serious discussions have to commence.

Fairuz is nevertheless fully focused on his third consecutive World Series campaign in which he is expected to be among the front-runners.
"At first glance, the start list promises and exciting but tough season. We're a new team but both Mofaz and Fortec are brands that are established in motorsports, so we have the capabilities to do well," said Fairuz.

The two outfits were brought together after Mofaz Motorsports purchased a controlling stake in established British outfit Fortec last month in a deal that sees Mofaz Group chairman Mohd Fauzy Abdul Hamid, Fairuz's father, assuming the role of team principle.

The team have also moved their base to Kuala Lumpur, signaling their intent in having more impact on the development of motorsports in their home country.

Fortec are already credited with launching the careers of current Formula One driver Heiki Kovalainen and former BMW-Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya.

Apart from the World Series, Fortec also campaign in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, but it is yet to be ascertained whether the offer for Aaron would be to line up in their colours.

"I am pretty confident of the team and its capabilities and with it being a Malaysian team now, I am very proud to be its pilot," said Fairuz.

The new MofazFortec World Series car underwent its first series of runs at the Pembrey dragstrip in the UK last Monday and according to Fairuz, its launch and straightline speed look promising.

In the three official tests at Jerez today, Valencia next weekend and Barcelona three weeks from now, Fairuz will be able to gauge the potential of the challenge he will put forth this season.

"The Spanish circuits will definitely be very important to get to fully learn the characteristics of the car," said Fairuz.

"Being a new set up, we would definitely need the test session to ensure everything is working efficiently and this also means the crew," said team principal Mohd Fauzy.

"Although one seat has been reserved for Fairuz, it will only be confirmed when the 26-year-old lands himself a major sponsor before the season starts.

The other seat in the team has been filled by Estonian racing prodigy Sten Pentus, who is backed by the Estonian government under the Visit Estonia campaign.

Fairuz remains hopeful of similar support from the Malaysian government.

World Series by Renault season --
Round 1: April 18-19 (Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona);
Round 2: May 2-3 (Spa Francochamps, Belgium);
Round 3: May 24 (Monaco);
Round 4: June 13-14 (Hungaroring, Hungary);
Round 5: July 4-5 (Silverstone, England);
Round 6: July 18-19 (Le Mans, France);
Round 7: Aug 1-2 (Partimao, Portugal);
Round 8: Sept 19-20 (Nurburgring, Germany);
Round 9: Oct 24-25 (Alcaniz, Spain).

Source: www.nst.com.my
Images courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsport.

Photos - Jazeman Jaafar: Formula BMW Official Test 09

2009-03-08T01:11:00.010+08:00

Image courtesy of Joan Ferrer.

Jazeman registers fastest lap in Barcelona (New Straits Times)

2009-03-06T20:18:00.000+08:00

By : Arnaz M. Khairul

JAZEMAN Firhan Jaafar got just the early boost he needed as the start of the Formula BMW Europe season looms, posting the fastest lap in the first official test session of the series at the Catalunya Circuit in Barcelona, Spain on Monday. Driving a car prepared by the French Eifelland outfit, for which he isn't yet confirmed as a driver, the 16-year-old started off the first session by completing 38 laps.

Jazeman posted a time of one minute 51.372 seconds on his 15th lap, which eventually would rank as the third fastest time overall in the official tests that featured 26 drivers.

His time was just a shade faster than the 1:51.393s clocked by Eurointernational's Daniel Juncadella, the Spaniard who pipped Jazeman to fourth place in last year's Formula BMW World Final in Mexico.

In the second session, Jazeman posted a seventh fastest time of 1:51.654s. The session was topped by Mucke-motorsport's Danish driver Michael Christensen, who clocked 1:51.078s.
Former Josef Kaufmann Racing driver Christensen, the runner-up in last year's Formula BMW World Final, was ninth in the first session.

Unlike the first session when Jazeman was right on the pace, it took until the 32nd of his 35 laps for him to post his fastest time in that session.

Jazeman, 15th in the Formula BMW Europe championship last year, will return home today for a short break before continuing his build-up to the new season.

The Formula BMW Europe series flags off as the support event for the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix, also in Barcelona, on May 8-10.

Source: www.nst.com.my

Jazeman juggles school and testing (New Straits Times)

2009-03-04T01:15:00.002+08:00

Jazeman Firhan Jaafar, 2007 Formula BMW Asia champion, has yet to get confirmation on which team he will be driving for this season.

SHUFFLING between school and official tests for the new Formula BMW Europe season is an act Jazeman Firhan Jaafar will have to get used to this year. Just as the 16-year-old puts the final touches on what is expected to be a title-challenging season, school has started in London while he's had to make a quick dash to Barcelona, Spain where official tests started yesterday.

A final pre-season touch includes confirmation of which team Jazeman will drive for after his former team Am-Holzer-Rennsport has been, as yet, absent from the registration for the new season.

French outfit Eifelland Racing are the frontrunners for Jazeman's signature, having taken the 2007 Formula BMW Asia champion to fifth in the Formula BMW World Final in Mexico in December.

Jazeman's father Datuk Jaafar Abdul Hamid, who also manages the youngster's career, said a confirmation on the driver's new team is expected "anytime".
"There's an official test in Barcelona starting today (yesterday), so more or less all the drivers who will be competing in this season's Formula BMW Europe are there," said Jaafar.

"There are basically tests every weekend from now till the start of the season (May 8-10 in Barcelona) and we hope that by the time they reach the final official test at Silverstone, everything will be confirmed."

After finishing 15th in the Formula BMW Europe championship driving for Am-Holzer-Rennsport last year, Jazeman will be looking to get swiftly back to his winning ways.

And a switch to Eifelland is expected to be the best available option, with two other teams also offering slots to the promising teenager.

Source: www.nst.com.my
Image courtesy of BMW Motorsport

Mofaz Fortec First Run - Kemble Airfield

2009-02-28T11:44:00.003+08:00

Mofaz Fortec had completed their first running of the their new Formula Renault 3.5 cars at Kemble Airfield. They did a day of Aero testing with sensors all over the car. Malaysian driver, Fairuz Fauzy had drove both of the Mofaz Fortec cars all day. McLaren also presented on that day doing their straight line testing. It was a long cold day but the team learned some useful knowledge from the new aero package.

Image courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsport

Video - Fairuz contact with Adam & Earl

2009-02-27T02:03:00.005+08:00

Fairuz contact with Adam Caroll (IRL) & Earl Bamber (NZL) - Feature Race, A1GP Gauteng 2009.
Source: A1GP [Edited by Liau ZH]

Angry Carroll attacks A1TM (Malay Mail)

2009-02-27T01:42:00.002+08:00

A1 TEAM MALAYSIA are disappointed to read the comments by Adam Carroll and A1 Team Ireland management after Sunday's A1GP in Kyalami , South Africa.

Both the driver and team principal of one of Malaysia’s rival nations in the A1GP World Cup of motorsport claimed the team were to blame for the loss of their championship lead following
contact between Malaysia’s Fairuz Fauzy and Ireland’s Carroll.

According to A1TM, the incident was clearly a racing incident.

Video footage only showed that a collision took place, but given the manoeuvre that the Team Ireland driver carried out in attempting to overtake the A1 Team Malaysia car, there was a high risk
of a collision unless Fairuz Fauzy pulled over and did not try to defend his position.

A steward’s inquiry after the race deemed that the evidence available led them to conclude that it was a racing incident.

“It’s understandable that A1 Team Ireland were feeling emotional and frustrated after this incident, considering also that they lost the lead," said A1TM seat holder Jack Cunningham.

“However, to blame Fairuz for the incident is unfair and we think the Irish team should stick to trying to win races rather than blaming others for their misfortune.

A1 Team Ireland are a highlyrespected team, but on this occasion their comments were unfair,” he added.

A1TM took home only one point from South Africa.

They will return to the track in six weeks’ time for the next round of the A1GP Series. This will be held at a new race track in the Algarve, Portugal.

Source: www.mmail.com.my
Image courtesy of A1GP.com

A1GP Gauteng 09 - Sunday

2009-02-22T23:00:00.001+08:00

Sprint Race

Fairuz was quick off his mark and battling for position in the Sprint race. He attacked hard but hold the position until he overtake Nicolas Prost of France to 8th place. Fairuz stay on the position until the mandatory pitstop.

Fairuz brought the car in for pitstop but the Swiss car was in the next pit and with a very tight pitlane, and this make Fairuz had to stop at an angle. The Swiss car then pulled away from the pits, delaying the Malaysian mechanics running to the side of the car to change the tyres. This had cost the team vital seconds.

Fairuz back on track in 9th place after the stop. He maintained the position until the end of the race. Fairuz had posted 5th fastest lap of 1'30.122 and the highest top speed at 238.9 kph.

Fairuz said after the Sprint Race:

“I was pleased to have finished in the top ten, but if we hadn’t had our problems in the pitstop I think we could have been higher up the order. We lost a place to New Zealand and I wasn’t able to get it back. I tried to catch this car but it is very difficult to overtake here.”

Jereon Bleekemolen score team Netherland's first win in this season and also the first win in 45 races in the feature race. Filipe Albuquerque of team Portugal finish in second and Swiss Neel Jani finish in third.

Feature Race

The race did not go on plan for Fairuz as he had a slow start off the line and this drop him back to 5th place. He move up to 4th place after having a lose and frantic battles with Adam Carroll of team Ireland. He drop to 5th place after contact with New Zealander Earl Bamber. Following the incident with New Zealand, he forced to pit with a suspected slow puncture. He returned to track after changing a front tyre in 16th place.

Fairuz returned to the pits for mandatory pitstop few laps later. He continue to struggle with the handling of the car and finally forced to back into the garage. The team quickly solved the problems and finally able to send Fairuz back on track.

With no hope to finishing in points, the team decided to use the PowerBoost feature to set the fastest lap for scoring 1 point. Fairuz had quickly set the fastest lap of the race of 1'28.306. Fairuz had classified in 15th place at the end of the race and score 1 point for the fastest lap of the race.

Fairuz said after the Feature Race:

“Naturally I’m very disappointed with today’s Feature race. It should have been a podium finish for us, but instead we just have one more point. I had a bad start and lost two or three places, then I had to fight to get them back. I clashed with the Irish car after he squeezed me and he then went off. The New Zealand car was ahead of me in the first part of the race, but was very slow and blocking me. I kept pushing him to challenge for position but when he crossed in front of me for a corner I had to brake hard and we touched with my front wheel hitting his rear wing. After that the car didn’t feel right. I ended up returning to the garage and the crew worked hard to get me back out. I was lucky to be able to set fastest lap and at least get one point.”

Neel Jani had equal Nico Hulkenberg's record for the most win in A1GP following with his ninth race win in the Feature race. Brazilian Felipe Guimaraes got his first podium finish in 2nd place and the pole sitter Clivio Piccione of Monaco finish in third place.

Malaysia maintained the 7th place in the championship standing with 32 points. Switzerland lead the championship with 73 points, Ireland second with 70 points and Portugal in third place with 64 points.

Jack Cunningham, CEO of A1 Team Malaysia conclude the race weekend:

“We’ve faced innumerable challenges this weekend, particularly with engine supplier issues which have been out of our control. We thought we’d got it back on track with an excellent qualifying position for the Feature race and a potential for points in the Sprint race. But as we’ve done too many times this season, we weren’t able to make the most of this.”

The next race of A1GP will be held 10-12 April 2009 at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Portugal.

Source: A1 Team Malaysia, A1GP.com
Images courtesy of A1GP

Fairuz - Post qualifying interview (A1GP Gauteng 09)

2009-02-22T11:44:00.001+08:00

Fairuz Fauzy - On his second place finish in the feature race qualifying.

Source: A1GP

A1GP Gauteng 09 - Saturday

2009-02-21T23:00:00.001+08:00

Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy will start tomorrow Feature Race from 2nd place and Sprint Race from 9th place.

The team had the engine problem on Friday and continued on Saturday morning. The team had change the wiring loom following the problem occur on Friday and Aaron were sent out for the extra rookie session but he experienced misfire again halfway around his out lap. After the team reviewed all the relevant components and systems, the team finally reaching a position with the series engine supplier that the engine needed to be replaced.

The team reached the decision to change the engine with the risk of not able to run the qualifying session at all due to the further hours of work required to install the new engine. Installation work of the new engine usually demands a series of installation laps, but the work were only able to be done just before the qualifying session. So, the team had to be content with a special dispensation to run only one installation lap before the start of the session.

Fairuz had missed the third free practice session due to the engine issues experienced.

In SQ1, Fairuz finish in 12th place with laptime 1'30.798. He improve his time to 1'28.904 and improve his position to 9th place for the Sprint race grid. Jeroen Bleekemolen of Team NED qualify on pole for the Sprint Race with 1'27.717, the time were set with PowerBoost.

Meanwhile in FQ1, Fairuz had clocked 1'29.032 and it put him 7th place for the session. He use his PowerBoost in FQ2 and clocked 1'27.405, and this lap time put him 2nd place on the Feature race starting grid. He is one of the only five drivers who manage to done the flying lap as the session ended early due to red flag cause by Brazilian Felipe Guimaraes who lost the back end of his car and ended in the tyre wall. This prevented the other teams from being able to set their flying lap with the PowerBoost. This ensured Fairuz's 2nd place.

Fairuz said after the session:

“We had major engine problems and missed the morning practice session which was extremely frustrating for us all as we haven’t had much time to develop the setup or complete the usual installation laps. However, the team worked hard and I must thank them all for the efforts they made to make sure we could take part this afternoon. After all the setbacks we have been lucky to be rewarded with a front row position for tomorrow.”

CEO of A1 Team Malaysia, Jack Cunningham added:

“After the incredibly difficult problems we had this morning with the engine, which at one stage meant we were facing not being able to qualify at all, we have finished the day in an extremely fortunate position. There is still a lot of hard work to be done well in to the night following the engine problems but I must say that after the bad luck we’ve experienced in the two previous race events it was time for “lady luck” to shine on us today. Tomorrow’s final results will be about sheer hard work both in the car and the garage following the extreme frustration of today and yesterday.”

Monaco's Clivio Piccione claims his first pole position in A1GP with 1'27.269. Earl Bamber of NZL will start on third place with 1'27.569.

The Sprint Race will start on 1100 SA time (1700 KL time), while Feature Race will be start on 1500 SA time (2100 KL time).

Source: A1 Team Malaysia, A1GP.com
Image courtesy of A1GP

Malaysia's bad luck turned around (A1GP.com)

2009-02-21T22:55:00.000+08:00

Fairuz Fauzy will start tomorrow’s Feature race at Kyalami from second on the grid, although the smiles at A1 Team Malaysia could easily have been replaced by frowns before a last-minute engine change saved the day.

“We changed the engine after the last race meeting at Taupo,” Fauzy told A1GP.com, “but a misfire seemed to set in towards the end of yesterday’s running, just after I’d really got into the groove.”

The wiring loom was changed and Malaysia’s rookie driver Aaron Lim sent out in this morning’s extra rookie session, but the misfire returned halfway around his out lap. This was when the team and Ferrari had to take the decision whether to change the wiring loom again or risk changing the engine and possibly miss the start of qualifying.

“The team and Ferrari did a really great job,” enthused Fauzy, “as that decision was taken right on the time limit and although I had to miss this morning’s practice I was still confident ahead of qualifying.

“A1GP very kindly allowed me to go out just before qualifying to do one necessary installation lap. Then I went carefully into the first segment to find my rhythm again before really attacking in the next three.”

Fauzy’s fourth lap of 1m27.405s, set with the extra 60bhp provided by the PowerBoost, moved him from seventh to second. Seconds later, Malaysia’s fortune turned from bad to good when Felipe Guimaraes crashed the A1 Team Brazil car heavily enough at the Esses to bring out the red flags to stop the session with 1minute 20seconds remaining, thus preventing many of the fancied pace-setters from being able to set their final PowerBoosted flying lap. It ensured that Fauzy held on to second place.“

Alan Mugglestone and the crew did a really good job for me,” said Fauzy. “I lost a lot of track time this morning and so my car isn’t fine-tuned yet, but we’re ending the day with a smile on our faces and will have to see what tomorrow brings.”

A victory to match the one he scored at Zandvoort in the opening round would certainly propel A1 Team Malaysia back up the points table from its current seventh position.

Source: A1GP.com
Click HERE to view the original page.

A1GP Gauteng 09 - Friday

2009-02-20T23:59:00.001+08:00

Rookie Session

Malaysia's "rookie" driver Aaron was the first driver of the team to experience the Kyalami circuit. Team Malaysia with the new engine in the car, had to prioritise the rookie session for essential installation tasks. Aaron had completed the installation laps and a three lap run and clocked 1'40.531 in 10th place.

Aaron said in the team release:

"It is an amazing track, It’s high speed and has quite a few blind corners so it is a real test of a driver’s bravery. There’s not much run off, so this makes it even more exciting to drive. It’s just the sort of track that I enjoy; I’m buzzing from my drive, I’d love to have more laps."

Free Practice

Fairuz takeover the car from Aaron for the free practice and began his preparations for the two A1GP races. He had done 23 laps in the session and had clocked 1'32.676 in 12th place despite having a few technical problems in the session.

Fairuz said after the free practice:

“It is one of the most impressive tracks I’ve ever driven, with the changes in gradient and camber, blind corners, tricky chicanes, just everything. We had a few technical problems in the session, but we were able to run x laps. We were on the pace right from the start, topping the timesheets at one point, but cars that went out later in the session ended up with the quickest times."
“For qualifying I think we’ll find more time, and with another practice before that, we have time to develop further.”

Daniel Morad of Team Lebanon had top the session with 1'30.816. Michael Ammermüller of Team Germany back in style in 2nd place with 1'31.312. Championship leader, Adam Carroll of Ireland were third place with 1'31.500.

Jack Cunningham, CEO of A1 Team Malaysia conclude the day:

“It’s a satisfactory start to the weekend. It was a shame that Aaron wasn’t able to have more laps as he obviously relished the chance to drive at a track which is so well liked. Fairuz was quick right from the start, so if we can keep improving our pace, as others will too, then we’ll be in good shape for Sunday.”

There will be additional practice session on Saturday morning following delays that affected a number of teams on Friday. Aaron will have 25 mins of additional track time for the Rookie session starting at 8am (SA time).

The third free practice will be start on Saturday 1100 SA time (1600 KL time). Qualifying session start on 1415 SA time (2015 KL time).

Source: A1 Team Malaysia, A1GP.com
Image courtesy of A1GP

New challenge for Fairuz, Aaron at Kyalami circuit (New Straits Times)

2009-02-19T23:29:00.001+08:00

THE fifth round of the A1GP at the Kyalami Circuit in Gauteng, South Africa this weekend brings with it a new challenge for A1 Team Malaysia. An historic former Formula One circuit Kyalami may be, but it is one of those that both A1 Team Malaysia drivers -- Fairuz Fauzy and Aaron Lim -- have never raced on.

Still Fairuz and Aaron are keen to have their first taste of the historic track, which also makes its debut in the series, taking over from the Durban street circuit which hosted the South Africa round in the past three seasons.

"I am really looking forward to racing at altitude at the famous Kyalami Circuit. It is going to be an exciting weekend for all the teams," said Fairuz.

"I love the configuration of the track and we understand from all the research that we have done that it has great flow and gradient changes, so I'm sure it'll be great to drive.

"We need strong results in South Africa. Although we left Taupo, New Zealand with hard-fought points, we didn't run as competitively as we needed to, particularly at the start of the weekend.

"We will have a new engine for Kyalami so we hope to be able to run reliably there and return to our early season form."

Aaron has been training hard in Malaysia since the last round of the series and will be continuing his learning experiences with the team.

The new engine will give him an additional workload with the necessary installation procedures taking precedence in the early part of the rookie session.

"I'm learning all the time with A1 Team Malaysia, whether I'm in the car or on the pit wall with the engineers, so I'm always pleased to be jumping on a plane and visiting another country, especially when it is a circuit that I haven't driven before," said Aaron, 21.

"This track has plenty of motor racing history attached to it, as the original circuit was built in 1961 and first hosted a Formula One Grand Prix in 1967."

Chief executive officer Jack Cunningham is hoping for more points this weekend.

"We need to be finishing higher to improve on our overall points standings," said Cunningham. The Kyalami circuit measures 4.26km and is laid out in an anti-clockwise direction.

Source: www.nst.com.my
Image courtesy of A1GP

New engine gives Fairuz hope for S. African leg (The Star)

2009-02-18T21:26:00.004+08:00

With a new engine in place, A1 Team Malaysia driver Fairuz Fauzy is optimistic of bouncing back in the South African-leg of the A1GP at the Kyalami Circuit in Gauteng this weekend.

The circuit previously hosted Formula One races until political sanctions forced the event to be scrapped in 1985.

Fairuz and rookie driver Aaron Lim are keen to have their first taste of the historic track, which is new to the series.

“It is going to be an exciting weekend for all the teams. I love the track configuration as it has great flow and gradient changes. I’m sure it’ll be great to drive (on the track),” said Fairuz, who added they needed to put up a strong show to keep their championship hopes alive.

Malaysia have two podium wins after four rounds and are seventh in the standings with 31 points. Ireland lead the way with 65 points. The championship comprises nine rounds after the Indonesian leg was scrapped for safety purposes.

“We need strong results in South Africa. Although we left Taupo in New Zealand with hard-fought points, we didn’t drive as competitively as we could, especially at the start of the weekend,” said Fairuz, who chalked up a win in the sprint race in the opening round at the Zandvoort Circuit in Holland last year.

“We willl have a new engine for Kyalami, so we hope to be able to run reliably and return to our early season form.”

As for Aaron, the new engine will give him additional workload with the necessary installation procedures taking precedent in the early part of the rookie session.

Source: thestar.com.my/sports
Images courtesy of A1GP

Mofaz Fortec, Fairuz herald new beginning (New Straits Times)

2009-02-17T16:40:00.005+08:00

By : Arnaz M. Khairul

WITH Fairuz Fauzy confirmed as their second driver, the new Mofaz Fortec racing team yesterday took Malaysian motorsport to the next level. This is the first Malaysian-owned world class racing outfit which will begin operations this year in the World Series by Renault 3.5 in Europe.

The series is the biggest and fastest growing stand-alone global single-seater event after Formula One with estimated crowds of up to 300,000 at every round last year.

Fairuz joins Estonian Sten Pentus, who is fully funded by his country's government, in the Mofaz Fortec line-up for the nine-round season that begins at the Catalunya Circuit in Barcelona, Spain on April 18-19.

The team will maintain the nucleus of the Fortec team based in Daventry in the UK with Mofaz Group chairman Mohd Fauzy Abdul Hamid, Fairuz's father, as team principal.

Yesterday's launch was officiated by Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) chairman Datuk Azman Yahya. Also present were Sepang International Circuit chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir, Mofaz Group vice-chairman Datuk Nik Izani Nik Ibrahim and team boss Richard Dutton.

Asked whether this was the first step towards entering Formula One as a team, Mohd Fauzy said the focus for the moment will be on ventures which the company is able to manage on available resources.

"Formula One is not really something we will target at this time. This is part of our motorsport and business plan. We believe we can benefit a lot from the whole structure of motorsports," said Mohd Fauzy.

The World Series this year will be telecast live globally, including in Malaysia, for the first time, while the ownership of the team gives Mofaz a separate opportunity to work towards bringing a round of the series to our shores.

The motorsports and business relations were strengthened yesterday with the signing ceremony between Mofaz and Dongguan Qiaoyu Trading for the marketing of Mofaz's flagship health product Macho in the China, Hong Kong and Macau markets.

Macho is Fairuz's main sponsor in his World Series foray this year and the global exposure promised this year will be watched closely as just how the balance between business and the bankrolling of motorsport activities are balanced.

Source: www.nst.com.my

Images courtesy of Teoh Wei Liam (Pitstop.com.my)
Click HERE to view more photos of the launch.

Yoong eager to promote local motorsports (The Star)

2009-02-14T17:12:00.003+08:00

GETTING into F1 is the apex of a driver’s career and the experience of being involved in the sport is something Alex Yoong will forever cherish.

Yoong, who is the only Malaysian driver to have driven in a F1 race,now uses the knowledge and experience learnt from those gruelling races in his current career – driving for Malaysia-based team QI-Meritus.Mahara, a racing outfit for a series called GP2 Asia.

Alex Yoong has one simple advice for those who aspire to drive a F1 car some day... Work hard!

“It is the pinnacle of motorsports and it was a fantastic experience but I’m not looking to move back there. I’m looking at other things now.

“I’m at that stage where I won’t be driving for much longer and I need to develop a lot of opportunities. My passion is to contribute to the growth of local motorsports here,” says the 32-year-old.

Yoong, who has been driving since he was 15, was contracted with the Minardi F1 team at the end of the 2001 F1 season and subsequently went on to race for the team in the 2002 season.

He drove in 15 F1 races in 2001 and 2002, with his best result being seventh in the 2002 Australian grand prix. From 2005 to 2008, Yoong drove for A1 Team Malaysia in the A1GP series.

The involvement with F1 has been a boost for his career, but he vividly remembers the difficulties of breaking into the F1 scene.

“I was trying to get into F1 during the Asian financial crisis. In 1998 and 1999, I was in Britain and was trying to get sponsorships and my budget doubled from RM4.50 to the (Sterling) pound to RM9 to the pound. It was a horrible time for me.”

Yoong says that it is tougher for an Asian driver to break into F1. “It’s harder for us because the (F1) tryouts are usually held in Europe. It’s hard to get an Asian sponsor because when they get to Europe, the sponsors get little or no exposure at all.

“So ultimately, it is up to you guys (the press) if you want to see another F1 driver,” he says.

For those who aspire to drive a F1 car some day, Yoong has just one simple advice: “Work hard!”

“It’s a long road. If you think it’s all about glamour and riches, than I would suggest that you don’t even try to get on that road,” he says.

“It’s not like a lot of other sports where you just need a padang somewhere to practice. You need support, money and third-party backing. Most importantly, unless you’re willing to work hard for it, don’t get on that road.”

But a successful career in motorsports is still possible, says Yoong. “If you want to take racing as a career and become a driver, go for it. There are lots of opportunities today and go-karting is the best way to get into it. It’s both affordable and fun.”

Source: biz.thestar.com.my
Click HERE to view the original page.

Fairuz in hot seat for Mofaz Fortec team (Malay Mail)

2009-02-13T14:51:00.003+08:00

Mofaz Fortec may be the team to bring Malaysia to the top level of motorsport but to see a local driver in the cockpit is more interesting.

The Renault outfit, which is owned by Mohamed Fauzy Abdul Hamid under the Mofaz Group, has reserved a seat for a Malaysian driver for the world series.

Interestingly, the driver is none other than Formula 1 hopeful Fairuz Fauzy, who is also the son of the team owner.

However, the team have firmly made their choice on drivers’ intake as they strive to remain professional in the business.

Although one seat has been reserved for Fairuz, but a firm decision will be made known when Fairuz, 26, is able to secure a major sponsor.

“This is the first fully owned Malaysian single-seater racing team so it is part of history,” said Fairuz.

“The series is highly competitive with the grid filled with the best drivers. It has been a launch pad for many of the current Formula 1 drivers.”

“Because of its strong link to the F1, it has a strong following of fans throughout the world.”

“I really want to win for my country but I can only do that if I can get full support,” said Fairuz, who is arguably Malaysia’s best candidate to race in F1.

Although one seat has been reserved for the Malaysian, the other has been filled by Estonian racing prodigy Sten Pentus.

Unlike Fairuz, Pentus is backed by the Estonian Government under the Visit Estonia campaign. With a national agenda of creating an F1 driver while promoting tourism, the campaign wants to capitalise on the series’ nine stops in eight different European nations with a total of 17 races.

The season opening round will be held at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain on April 18 and 19 and will end in another Spanish city of Alcaniz on Oct 24 and 25.

World Series by Renault

Season calendar
Round 1 April 18-19 (Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona)
Round 2 May 2-3 (Spa-Francochamps)
Round 3 May 24 (Monaco)
Round 4 June 13-14 (Hungaroring)
Round 5 July 4-5 (Silverstone)
Round 6 May 18-19 (Le Mans)
Round 7 Aug 1-2 (Portimao, Portugal)
Round 8 Sept 19-20 (Nurburgring)
Round 9 Oct 24-25 (Alcaniz)

Source: www.mmail.com.my
Images courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsport

Proton Axle Racing Team Begins Work for 2009 (AFOS.com)

2009-02-12T22:00:00.004+08:00

Asian Touring Car 1500Max Challenge champions Team Proton Axle Racing got straight into work for the 2009 season on day one of the pre-season test at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.

Despite it being a mixed day for the team, Team Principal and former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong was happy with the team and the car's condition after the winter season break. "It was good to be back on the track as this is our first test for the season," said Alex. "We did face some basic teething problems such as the car's electronics but the team as always worked diligently to get the car in running condition," he added.

The team's driver Syafiq Ali who is also the defending ATC Max champion, was unable to make the test sessions as he was down with the flu.

This gave the team an opportunity to further test Asian Touring Car Series champion Jack Lemvard of Thailand. "Jack did a great job getting to know the car and early signs were positives to work with him again," said Alex.

"I would like to thank Alex and the Team for the opportunity to get into the car. It was a pleasure working with them and hopefully we can do some further testing." said Lemvard. "It was an easy car to handle as I clocked the same time in my first and third lap showing the cars consistency. It was a shame however we couldn't do all the things we set out to achieve today as I believe I could have gone faster," he added.

The 24-year-old Pattaya born driver is now looking forward to test again with the team and to hopefully be apart of the PAR's driver line-up this season.

Prepared by Proton Axle Racing

Source: AFOS.com

A1GP Taupo 09 - Sunday

2009-01-25T21:00:00.000+08:00

Sprint Race

Fairuz had finish in 8th place in the Sprint race in the morning. Fairuz who started on 9th place had move up 1 place to 8th with overtaking Team NZL during the opening lap.

The team had made a quick mandatory stop, but Fairuz exited his pitbox behind the Australian car of John Martin, who struggled to get his gear engaged. This hold Fairuz at the pit exit and this had cost Fairuz at least two places as estimated by the engineers.

Fairuz remained in 8th place after all car had done the mandatory pit stop and he stay on the position till the end of the race to collect 1 point.

Fairuz said after the race:

“We had a good start and the car was very competitive handling wise, but I’m not satisfied with the engine and I was losing speed on the straight to other cars. It’s something we’ll check on the data. The team did a great job in the pits, but when I pulled away from the garage the Australian car was slow. He seemed to be suffering from a gear engagement problem. There’s nothing we could do, but instead of being at 60kph, it was 30kph, so we lost time and probably at least two places. At least we scored a point.”

Adam Carroll of Ireland had won the race, Swiss Neel Jani came second and Robert Doornbos of team NED finish in third place.

Feature Race

Fairuz collected another point in the Feature race with 10th place finish. Fairuz started the race on 6th place on the grid, he lose one place to 7th on the opening lap. Fairuz got problem on the radiator and this affected the engine performance as he struggled with straight line speed.

The team had done both mandatory pitstop well and Fairuz are able to maintain his position. However, Fairuz lose his position as he spun off the track at turn 12 during the closing stages. He was able to recover from the spun but he had dropped to 11th place. The spun were possibly due to oil on track.

Fairuz finish the race in 11th place, just one place away from scoring a point. He was promoted to 10th place after 8th place Marco Andretti of USA had been given a 25-seconds penalty due to Marco exited the pit crossing the white pit blend line. This make Fairuz and Team Malaysia collected another point in the Feature race.

Fairuz said after the race:

“I didn’t get the best start and dropped a place. After a few laps I smelt coolant and there were warning lights on, but I just had to carry on. I was losing power in a straight line, but just had to change my driving style to try and compensate for this. In the second stop I came out behind the slower A1 Team China car so I wasn’t able to use my tyres to the maximum. It was a bit frustrating, especially with the lack of power. It was a shame I spun at the end: I’m not sure whether there was oil as the Indonesian car had gone off ahead of me. It was a shame as we threw away seventh place, where we would have been in the points.”

Neel Jani had won the 50 laps race. Sprint race winner Adam Carroll finish in second and Portugal's Filipe Albuquerque came third.

Malaysia is currently 7th place in the championship standing with 31 points. Ireland continue to lead the championship with 65 points. Switzerland second place with 52 point and Portugal in third place with 49 points.

The next race of A1GP will be held at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit at Gauteng, South Africa on 20-22 February 2009.

A1GP Taupo 09 - Saturday

2009-01-24T22:44:00.005+08:00

Free Practice

Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy had finish the morning practice session on 13th place. He had done 31 laps and clocked fastest time of 1'16.786, which is 1.674 sec off to Edoardo Piscopo.

Edoardo Piscopo of A1 Team Italy had set the fastest time of 1'15.112. Second is Robert Doornbos of A1 Team Netherlands with 1'15.245 and third is Swiss' Neel Jani who set 1'15.653.

Qualifying

Fairuz had qualify in 9th place for Sprint Race and 6th place for Feature Race.

In SQ1, he set 1'16.776 and in SQ2, he set 1'15.710 and he qualify 9th place for sprint race with this time. Adam Carroll of Ireland and qualify on pole with 1'14.507.

Meanwhile in FQ1, Fairuz had clocked 1'16.138, which is the 11th fastest time. In FQ2, he clocked 6th fastest time of 1'15.246and this put him 6th place on the starting grid. Adam Carroll put Ireland on pole again with 1'14.507.

Fairuz said after the qualifying session:

“It was a shame I wasn’t able to make the most of my new tyres on the first run, but starting from ninth we should be able to get into the points. Starting sixth for the Feature race puts us in a good position. We made some minor changes between the sessions and that really helped us to improve. From sixth we are in well the mix and should be able to have a good result tomorrow.”

CEO of A1TM, Jack Cunningham added:

“Today’s performance was much more indicative of the pace that we have. The team has bounced back from a disappointing start yesterday and pulled through, with Fairuz driving well to take two top ten starts. It’s taken the team longer to get to grips with the track and find a good set up, but when it mattered they performed well, which is the only thing that is important. We’re well set for two strong, highly competitive races tomorrow in which we hope to finish in the points.”

The Sprint Race will be start on 1100 NZL time (0600 KL time) and Sprint Race will start on 3pm NZL time (1000 KL time).

Source: A1 Team Malaysia, A1GP.com

A1GP Taupo 09 - Friday

2009-01-23T16:48:00.007+08:00

After 7 weeks break, A1GP back in action this week at Taupo, Zew Zealand. Aaron Lim is the first driver to back on track with A1 Team Malaysia. Aaron drive in the morning Rookie session.

In the first rookie session, Aaron had clocked 1'20.538 and in second session he clocked 1'18.766. He finish in 6th place in the combined result, which is 0.675 sec off Alexandre Imperatori of Switzerland who top the session. Aaron had done 35 laps in Rookie session.

Aaron said in the team release:

“It was good to get back in the car after a long break and to get in the rhythm again. The circuit is quite demanding. It’s tight and twisty, and because it is fairly narrow, there’s only a small margin of error. Each time I’m out on track I’m able to gain experience and work with my engineers to understand what is needed to improve my performance. I’m taking it step by step and focusing on doing the best job I can for the team.“

Fairuz back into the car in the second free practice session. Fairuz got some problem with the brakes in the practice. Fairuz had finish the session in 17th place, 1.541 sec behind Switzerland's Neel Jani. He had done 36 laps and his best time is 1'17.512.

Fairuz said after the practice:

"I had problems with the brakes today and that affected just how much we could get done today. We focused on getting the right balance on the car, but it was a bit frustrating as we couldn’t do as much as we wanted because of the issue with the brakes. I think if we can resolve the problem, we can move up the grid."

Jack Cunningham, CEO of A1 Team Malaysia said:

“It seems that we have carried over an issue with the brakes from Sepang and it’s one that will need to be addressed this evening. The engineers are also reviewing the setup as Fairuz is struggling with the handling of the car. We’re confident we can sort the problems out and will be able to make up ground for qualifying tomorrow.”

The third practice session will be held on Saturday 11:00 NZL time. Qualifying sessions start on 15:45 NZL time.

Source: A1 Team Malaysia, A1GP.com

Photos - A1GP Taupo - Thursday

2009-01-22T22:13:00.006+08:00

Aaron & Tengku Djan

Track walk

Fairuz Fauzy

Alan & Aaron

McLaren F1 spotted at Taupo

Fairuz with the McLaren F1

Click HERE for more photos.

Images courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsport

Fahmi Ilyas to race in Formula BMW Pacific

2009-01-21T14:08:00.005+08:00

Fahmi Ilyas had became the first Malaysian to comfirm his participation in this yaer of Formula BMW Pacific season. He will be joining the Korean Team E-Rain.

The 16 years old had just karting for 2 years and he is also a product of the Petronas Formula Xperience (PFX).

Fahmi said in Team E-Rain press release:

I am very happy and excited to start the season. This is a transition year for me so it very important to do my best. I have already begun my testing and it has been great working with the team members,"

I have raced in the PFX cars but the cars have been powered down for teaching purposes. I'm however getting used to the race setting and I am eager to go faster and faster. However, I'm learning a lot from every lap and am trying cut down my mistakes,"

As Fahmi race in the series, he also attend his first year at the Regents Buiness School in London beginning February. He will be travel back for testings and races. "I definitely have my work cut out for me between racing and school but I am ready and I have also set a personal goal of winning the championship this year". said Fahmi.

E-Rain's team boss Hongsik Jeon said:

"We are very happy and honored to have Fahmi, our first Malaysian driver in our team. Ever since the first session he has been improving tremendously and it shows that he is a fast learner. He started clocking times in the region of 2.17s but consistently gets faster. By the end of his second test session in the car, he was clocking 2.12s on used tyres".

The 2009 Formula BMW Pacific season will be start on April.

Source: AFOS.com

Alex withdraw from My Qi-Meritus.Mahara

2009-01-20T18:20:00.003+08:00

Malaysian driver Alex Yoong had withdraw from Meritus GP2 Asia team. The former Formula 1 driver had decided to take a break from racing to concentrate on expanding his business and developing the motorsport industry in Malaysia.

Alex said it was a painful decision to make, as he enjoyed driving for Meritus but because of work commitments with his Axle Group of companies, he is unable to remain fully committed to the team.

Alex said to Malay Mail:

“I spoke to Peter Thompson (Meritus team principal) and we have decided to come to an agreement which is mutually beneficial to both parties. It was great to finally team up with the Meritus team which are without doubt Asia's most successful team, having won 32 titles over the past 12 years,”

"I had done some driver-coaching with them in the past but to finally get the chance to race with them was a lovely experience. "

GP2 Asia is a fantastic series and very competitive and the team needs 100 per cent commitment and focus from their drivers and I was finding this more and more difficult to obligate.”

Peter Thompson, Team founder's quote in the team release:

“I want to thank Alex Yoong for participating in the two first Grand Prix: Shanghai where GP2 Asia was one of the support races to F1 week-end and the strange Dubai second weekend where Rains washed away My Qi-Meritus.Mahara team's Dubai goals and the radically wet weather stopped the team’s effort.”

Thompson understood Alex’s decision and said the door is always open if the latter wishes to work with Meritus again.

Alex's seat will be taken by Italian Marco Bonanomi. He will be racing with Meritus for the rest of season.

The next race of GP2 Asia will be held at Bahrain on January 22 to 24.

Source: Malay Mail, Meritus Racing
Image courtesy of GP2 Asia

Photos - A1 Team Malaysia Taupo Preparation

2009-01-17T01:40:00.003+08:00

Fairuz Fauzy

Food "Home from Home"

Fairuz & Aaron

Alan Mugglestone, A1TM Chief Engineer

Images courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsport

Aaron hopes to impress in Taupo (Malay Mail)

2009-01-13T23:54:00.004+08:00

By Ghaz Ramli (Malay Mail)

After a two-month break, A1 Team Malaysia drivers Fairuz Fauzy and Aaron Lim are all set to grease up the Ferrari-powered car in Round 4 of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsports at Taupo, New Zealand from Jan 23-25.

The two left for New Zealand yesterday.

“After a positive start to the season, we experienced some unforeseen problems which have put us in fifth position in the point standings. Definitely our aim is to improve our position and increase our points,” said Aaron.

“It has been a long break after the last race in Sepang, so by leaving a week earlier we are hoping to get a head start in our preparation.”

“Team engineer Alan Mugglestone has also not seen the track, so the extra few days would be very helpful to all of us,” said Aaron.

Aaron, 23, is personally eager to take on the Kiwi track for the second time.

“Last season, I did not do too well and clocked the 16th fastest time. I’m hoping to improve and impress this time around.”

“After registering the fourth best time during Sepang’s rookie session, I’m very much fired-up to get back in the car,” he added.

“I also hope to play my part well in the rookie session to give enough data for the engineers and Fairuz to work on,” said Aaron.

Source: www.mmail.com.my
Image courtesy of A1GP

Alex Yoong interview in GP2 E-zine

2008-12-13T02:40:00.004+08:00

Alex interviewed in Dubai edition of GP2 E-zine. Here is the interview feature on the E-zine.

AWAY FROM THE TRACK

Alex Yoong, putting something back

Alex Yoong is unusual. He is, so far, the only Malaysian driver to make it to Formula 1. After that he also made the rare move from F1 to the GP2 Asia series by joining leading Asian squad My Qi-Meritus.Mahara.

And, being 32-years-old, Yoong is more seasoned than many of his up-and-coming rivals. That means the differences continue away from the track.

“I work when I’m not driving,” he says. “I have a touring car team in the summer so that keeps me busy.” His Proton Axle Racing team has scored successes in Asia, but that is far from the end of Yoong’s commitment to putting something back into the sport.

He knows that he is unique in Malaysian motorsport and is using that status to find the next star.

“I’m also a director on the Motorsports Association of Malaysia,” he says. “I do a lot of work planning for the future and helping with promotion – helping the industry. I do enjoy it, but there’s also no-one else to do it – it’s not like in Europe, where there is a saturation of drivers.”

Beyond that, Yoong is a family man. He doesn’t chase another dangerous pursuit or a have specific hobby as many of his piers do.

“I get such a kick out of driving that I don’t get the urge to do anything else,” he asserts. “I do play football socially. It’s quite serious – we train twice a week and play at weekends. But I often miss matches. In general, I find there aren’t enough hours in the day!”

Click Here to download the Dubai edition of GP2 e-zinein PDF format.

Fairuz wins at Wembley!

2008-12-12T20:12:00.007+08:00

Fairuz made history as the first Malaysian to win at Wembley Stadium on Thursday night. The Wembly Stadium had been transformed into race track as the venue of Race of Champions this weekend.

Fairuz were invited by the top UK car performance magazine "Redline" for a feature and the organizers of the ROC also were pleased to have the track tested.

Fairuz was driving his road going Nissan GTR. The cars went sent off in pairs for the heats and Fairuz had clocked the quickest time in the heats. He put himself in the final with a full race prepared 8lt Viper. Fairuz had won the 2 laps final by a mile gap.

Click HERE to view more photos and discussion at Pitstop.com.my forum.

Photos courtesy of Jon Beale, Mofaz Motorsports

Photos - A1GP Sepang

2008-12-10T18:17:00.004+08:00

Click the link below to view more:

Sunday

Saturday

Formula BMW World Final 2008, Mexico City - Sunday

2008-12-08T15:35:00.003+08:00

Malaysian Jazeman Jaafar had finish in 5th place in the Formula BMW World Final in Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City.

In the third and final heat in the morning, Jazeman had finish in 7th place, 3.014 sec behind the winner Michael Christensen. Esteban Gutiérrez finish second and Mikael Grenier finish third.

Jazeman had accumulate 23 points from three heats. That put him 7th place on the starting grid for the World Final. Esteban Gutiérrez had claim the pole position with 5 points, his Josef Kaufmann Racing team mate Michael Christensen were second place on the grid.

In the World Final, Jazeman finish the race on 5th place. He finish 3.943 sec behind the winner, Alexander Rossi from United States. Michael Christensen finish in second and pole-sitter Esteban Gutiérrez third.

Alexander Rossi, who is also the winner of 2008 Formula BMW USA, will be given a chance to test in BMW Sauber F1 Team race car as a reward of the World Final victory. He is also the first Formula BMW World Final winner from the USA Championship.

Formula BMW World Final 2008, Mexico City - Saturday

2008-12-07T16:05:00.004+08:00

Jazeman had finish in 12th place in Heat 1 on the morning. He finish 19.807 sec behind the winner, Esteban Gutiérrez who race on home ground. Michael Christensen finish in second and Daniel Juncadella finish in third place.

Meanwhile in Heat 2 on the afternoon, Jazeman had finish in an impressive 4th place, with 4.610 sec behind the winner, Daniel Juncadella. Alexander Rossi and Esteban Gutiérrez finish in second and third place.

Jazeman is currently 7th in the points standing with 16 points, Gutiérrez and Juncadella jointly lead the standing with 3 points. The points standing will determine the grid for the World Final.

Heat 3 will start on 0930 Mexico time (2330 KL time) and the World Final will start on 1450 Mexico time (Sunday 0450 KL time). Good Luck to Jazeman in the World Final!

GP2 Asia, Round 2 - Dubai - Saturday

2008-12-06T19:50:00.006+08:00

Race 2 of Dubai round of GP2 Asia had been canceled due to excessive flooding at the Dubai Autodrome, which is cause by the overnight storms.

The Federation International Automobile (FIA) Stewards of the meeting released this statement at 11.15am on Saturday:

"Following a track inspection by the race directors of the FIA GT3 Championship, GP2 Asia and the Speedcar Series it is their collective view that the volume of water on the track, and the likelihood of there being any improvement during the day, would make it impossible to run any races safely. The Stewards of the Meeting therefore in accordance with Article 141 of the 2008 FIA International Sporting Code have accepted their advice and cancel all races today."

The GP2 Series Organisation will decide on a later date how this cancelation will affect the Championship in the near future.

Peter Thompson, Team founder My Qi Meritus.Mahara team concluded Alex's weekend:

“As for Alex, his spin in free practice cost him the week-end as he lost a lot of track-time. But he managed good lap-time in qualifying. Now Alex is more comfortable with the team, and we even decided to change his car giving him Earl's car from our first weekend of racing in Shanghai."

The next race of GP2 Asia will be held on 22 to 24 January 2009 at Sakhir, Bahrain.

Formula BMW World Final 2008, Mexico City - Friday

2008-12-06T12:49:00.003+08:00

Malaysian Jazeman Jaafar had a good start in Formula BMW World Final in Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City. Jazeman is racing with the Eifelland Racing

The 15 years old had had finish in 6th place with 1.37.136 in the first practice session, 0.751 sec off Esteban Gutiérrez who top the session. In the second free practice session, Jazeman improved his time to 1.36.288 to finish in second place in the session. Meanwhile, he top the third free practice session with 1:36.239 and he had finish the fourth free practice session in 9th place with 1.36.438.

In the qualifying session, Jazeman had set 1.35.715 to finish 8th place in the qualifying session. He had claimed himself to take part in the Super Pole, single lap qualifying session to determine the pole-sitter for Heat 1 and Heat 2. Jazeman had set 1.37.070, which is 1.263 sec off the pole sitter Jim Pla time to finish in 8th place in the Super Pole.

Jazeman will start the Heat 1 and Heat 2 on Saturday in 8th place. Heat 3 grid on Sunday will be determine by the result of Heat 1. Overall standing of 3 heats will determine the grid for the World Final on Sunday.

Heat 1 will start on 0930 Mexico time while Heat 2 will start on 1305 Mexico time. All the best to Jazeman in the World Final.

GP2 Asia, Round 2 - Dubai - Friday

2008-12-06T02:31:00.006+08:00

Malaysian Alex Yoong was force to retire from the first race after just only 3 laps as he suffered a damage rear suspension. While his Meritus team-mate Earl Bamber also ended his race early because of an engine problem.

Alex who started the race on 21th place has gained two position to 19th place on the first lap. Unfortunately, the wishbone was broken and he was force to retire.

Kamui Kobayashi who started on pole had won the race. Davide Valsecchi finish in second and Roldan Rodriguez finish in third place.

Alex's comment after the race:

"I am not very pleased with my race. We really missed the time and mileage from first practice. The car was good and I got up to 17th. The pace was good, but as I turned I felt the car was gone, the wishbone was broken. I didn't notice, but there must have been contact at the start as I have marks on my tyres, but I didn't feel anything. So far it hasn't been a great weekend and I have been struggling with an upset stomach. I hope to be better tomorrow and end the weekend on a positive note."

The second race will be held on Saturday 09:00 Dubai time.

Images courtesy of MY Qi-Meritus.Mahara

GP2 Asia, Round 2 - Dubai - Thursday

2008-12-05T18:00:00.000+08:00

Malaysian driver Alex Yoong, had started the day with finishing 25th in the free practice session. Alex only managed to do 3 laps and set 1:51.698 in the free practice as his My Qi-Meritus.Mahara team-mate, Earl Bamber top the session with 1:44.048. Alex got some sort of problem during the free practice.

In the qualifying session, Alex had set 1:43.026 and qualified on 21st spot for Race 1. Meanwhile, Earl set 1:42.068 to qualify on 16th spot. Kamui Kobayashi had set 1:41.091 to qualify on pole position.

Alex's comment on the day:

"It was raining a bit in the morning. The track was very dusty and slippery. I was hoping that it was fully cleaned after the rains yesterday, but it was not the case when I made a mistake in the first laps of the session. We missed a lot of the afternoon’s running time. The car was not handling too badly, and we were faster and faster at each lap. Towards the end of the session there was a lot of traffic. On the positive side we have a new set of tyres for tomorrow. We'll try to make up for the qualifying in the race. With a bit of luck and good driving we should be in the points."

The race 1 wil start on Friday 09:10 Dubai time.

Fairuz Fauzy Souvenier Cover

2008-12-01T22:45:00.001+08:00

Fairuz Fauzy had featured on a special stamp issued to commemorate the Malaysian team leading the championship to home ground at Sepang.

The stamp is together with a special envelope which feature the A1 Team Malaysia car and Fairuz celebrating his first win in A1GP at the opening round in Zandvoort, Netherlands. The stamp and envelope set is a limited edition of 50,000 pieces.

Fairuz explain about the stamp:

“The idea of producing a celebration stamp was put to me when I arrived in Malaysia after the China round of the Series. Within around two days this idea had been turned into reality and I was holding this very special collector’s edition stamp set. I’m very proud to have my image on a genuine postage stamp; it’s a very different item of memorabilia, and I hope our race fans will like this.”

The stamp can be purchase at the Sepang International Circuit and through Mofaz Direct.

A1GP Sepang 2008

2008-11-25T23:30:00.003+08:00

Friday
In the morning rookie practice, Aaron Lim had clocked a fourth quickest lap. In the first part of the session, he had clocked 1.53.589, while in second part he clocked 1.51.815. The fastest lap were done by Nicolas Prost from A1 Team France with 1.50.679. Danny Watts finish the session in second and Earl Bamber finish in third.

Fairuz take over the car in the Second Practice session in the afternoon. He had clocked 1.50.620 to finish in 10th place in the session. Danny Watts of A1 Team GBR top the session with 1'50.038.

Saturday
On Saturday morning third practice session, Fairuz clocked 1.50.164 and finish the session in 11th place. David Garza of A1 Team Mexico finish the session in 1st place with 1.48.431.

In the qualifying session, a new rule had imposed where A1 Teams will get chance to play the PowerBoost "joker" in the session, where the PowerBoost were available of entire lap of qualifying lap, with teams will be allowed to use it for one of the four qualifying runs.

Things did not go according to the plan in the Sprint race qualifying, Fairuz were on track for his flying lap when the Korean car stopped on the track and caused a red-flag. This had made Fairuz lose the benefit of new tyres. Fairuz had recorded 1.49.753 and this time put Fairuz in 13th on the Sprint race grid. Neel Jani took pole in the Sprint race with 1.47.154.

While in the Feature race qualifying, Fairuz had clocked 1.49.683 in his first run. He had clocked 1.47.648 on his second run with the PowerBoost joker. This put Fairuz on 4th place on the grid. Adam Carroll of A1 Team Ireland had took the pole position with 1.47.124.

Sunday
The sprint race started with a spectacular three car incident involving the India, USA and Brazil and the race were red-flagged in order to clean up the debris on track. Fairuz were on 12th after the restart, he had overtake South Africa and Italy when they were fought for position in front of him.

However, Adrain Zaugg made an over ambitious move down the inside of Fauzy at the second turn not giving the Malaysian car any room and spearing into the side of the car and puncturing a tyre. This had cause Fairuz to made an extra stop for the tyre. Fairuz finish the race in 15th place with 1 lap down.

Meanwhile in the Feature race, Fairuz had made a good start and claimed third place from Daniel Morad of Lebanon after the safety car back into pit. Fairuz hold the position into the first mandatory pitstop and with quick work from the crew, he had maintained the position.

Disaster struck the team when Fairuz made an unnecessary pitstop after Fairuz got radio interference which is actually A1 Team GBR calling their driver enter the pit. Fauzy had dropped to the back of the grid and had to climb back through the field. He had overtake Italy for 10th place on the final lap of the race to claim 1 point.

The next round of A1GP will be held at Taupo, New Zealand on 23 – 25 January 2009.

Macau GP - Sunday

2008-11-16T23:00:00.000+08:00

Formula BMW Pacific

Team Holzer PFX driver Imran Shaharom finish in 14th place, while Dominic Ang finish behind him in 15th place. Meanwhile, Melvin Moh finish the race in 18th place.

The race were cut short as the red flag came out after Jim Ka To from Hong Kong crashed.

Pole sitter Mihai Marinescu had won the Formula BMW Pacific race at Macau. Second place won by his team mate Michael Christensen from Denmark and third place was Japan's Kimiya Sato.

The race conclude 2008 Formula BMW Pacific. The Ross Jamison from Hong Kong take the championship with 222 points. Simon Moss from South Africa won the Rookie Cup. Malaysian driver Melvin Moh take 6th place overall, Imran Shaharom 10th place and Dominic Ang 11th place. Dominic also finish in 5th place in Rookie Cup. Meritus once again take the team title while Team Holzer PFX end the season in 3rd place in the team championship.

Windsor Arch Macau GT Cup

Starting in 11th place on the grid, Tunku Hammam had finish the 10 laps race in 9th place.

Darryl O'Young had won the race from pole position, Danny Watts from Great Britian finish in 2nd place and Japanese driver Keita Sawa finish the race 3rd place.