Briton Saunders grabs Formula Asia

Briton Saunders grabs Formula Asia

SENTUL, West Java (JP): Briton Brian Saunders sped his way to the Formula Asia auto racing championship crown despite a lackluster effort in the closing race at the Sentul circuit in West Java yesterday.

Sonenscher's foremost racer Saunders finished third in yesterday's race, but it was enough to ensure him the title after collecting 162 points throughout the season.

It was a happy ending for the 23-year-old Briton who plans to race in the Formula Three next season.

Teammate Alexander Yoong of Malaysia stole the show yesterday, winning the race to finish second in the final standings just two points behind Saunders. Talented Humpuss driver Roy Haryanto came third with 143 points.

Due to the bad weather and the slippery circuit, the organizers dropped the 13th race from the schedule and proceeded with the 14th and closing race.

The 13th race started at 12:45 p.m. but was stopped 10 minutes later with the 16 drivers completing only four of 15 compulsory laps. They had to wait for two hours before starting the 14th race.

Yoong, winner in the 12th race on Saturday, started from the front grid followed by Humpuss driver Ananda Mikola, Roy, Narain Karthikeyan of the McDowel JK Tyre team, and Saunders.

Yoong dominated the race, eliminating any chance for anyone to take over the lead from the beginning. The Malaysian driver maintained his pace through to the finish line, with Roy, Saunders, Narain and Niclass Jnsson of Sweden trailing closely.

Chandra Alim, who drove under the Djarum banner, had engine troubles and missed the first lap.

Mechanical trouble also forced Malaysian Jimmy Low of the Lux- Shell team to quit after six laps.

Ananda, the son of the circuit's director Tinton Soeprapto, had to be content with the fifth place overall with 110.5 points after coming seventh in yesterday's race. (05)