Ananda qualifies for Formula 3000

JAKARTA (JP): Young Indonesian driver Ananda Mikola will start in 22nd position in the Formula 3000 FIA Championships at the Silverstone circuit in England on Sunday.

Ananda managed a dramatic improvement in his time on Saturday after finishing in 27th position in the previous qualifying round.

He clocked two minutes 04.667 seconds in the first round, which he cut to 1:59.331 in the second round. Based on FIA regulations, only 26 drivers are allowed to compete in the race.

"I was very nervous when in the last seconds of the qualification my manager, Piers Hunnisett, shouted that I was running out of time, and finally I managed to improved my position," Ananda said from England as quoted by Antara news agency.

Ananda was in 21st position before Tomas Enge of the Czech Republic overtook him on the last lap.

The top qualifier was Darren Manning of England (1:56.776), followed by Mark Webber of Australia (1:56.947) and Justin Wilson of England (1:57.074). (yan)