Chandra wins Formula Asia national c'ships

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)