Chandra wins Formula Asia national c'ships

JAKARTA (JP): Veteran driver Chandra Alim edged Fino Saksono in the fourth and final leg of the Formula Asia autoracing championship on Sunday to overtake his perennial rival in the standings and emerge the overall winner.

Chandra, of the Green Sands & Shell team, set the pace from the flag-off to clock 19 minutes 14.874 seconds for the 12 laps. Fino Saksono of Primajasa Shell came in almost four seconds slower to finish second, with Stanley Iriawan of Gudang Garam Humpuss eight seconds adrift in third place.

Gary Sykes of Scotland, the only foreigner to take part in the race, was forced to drop out after just two laps due to engine failure.

Chandra attributed his victory to his long-time preparations.

"I have been better prepared for the races than I was last year," he told a post-race media conference.

Fino hailed Chandra as a tough competitor and said he was not disappointed with being runner-up this season. "Chandra drove better than me," Fino commented.

Sykes also praised Chandra, describing him as a more senior driver. The Scot said he expected to make a return next year should Indonesia hold Formula Asia again.

"I am impressed by the Sentul circuit since it is safe and has all the facilities. I only hope I could compete next year," Sykes said. He was making his debut in Indonesia.

The Formula Asia race was followed by the Timor One Make Race, National Superbike and Sport Tune Up 150cc and 125cc events.

More than 2,000 spectators watched the races. (lnt)