Local drivers tough to defeat

SENTUL, West Java (JP): Paul Stokell got off to a flying start in his quest for the Formula Brabham championship title at the Sentul circuit, Bogor, when he took pole position for today's race in a time of 1:22.693 yesterday.

Second to him, in yesterday's qualifying time trial, was Indonesian Formula Asia driver Roy Haryanto with a time of 1:24.124. Another Indonesian Formula Asia driver, Stanley Iriawan, came third with 1:25.197.

"It was my best time ever," Stokell told The Jakarta Post. The 26-year-old driver won the Australian Drivers Championship in the goldstar division, whose final leg, in May, was held in Australia.

Stokell is expecting stiff competition this afternoon, especially from his Indonesian rivals. "I am more experienced in this race but Roy is also excellent. I think we are going to have a stiff competition tomorrow," Stokell, who has been racing in the Formula Brabham for three years, said.

Experience aside, Stokell also attributed his fastest time to the improved condition of the circuit. "Two years ago it was a bit bumpy. It's better now," he added.

Stokell finished 12.265 seconds behind Mark Larkham, who clocked 28:46.750 at the inaugural race two years ago. Larkham, twice Australian Drivers Championship runner-up, in 1992 and 1993, will miss this weekend's races.

Roy, who is making his debut at the Australian open-wheel formula, said driving the 3800cc, V6-Holden engined Reynard, did not differ much from driving in Formula Asia. "I find it easier to take sharp turns with this car," he said.

Malcolm Ramsay, the championship's president director, said he was surprised that Roy and Stanley could come second and third behind his driver.

Formula Brabham, named after Jack Brabham, Australia's three- time champion of Formula One racing, was contested for the first time in 1987 in Australia. "We opt for this particular type of race because the car is fast, yet economical," Ramsay said, referring to the Holden engine, which is the backbone of the car.

In 1993, Formula Brabham was contested for the first time at the Sentul circuit. "Next year, it may also be contested in Japan," Ramsay said. (arf)