Racer Chandra eyes two titles in Palembang

JAKARTA (JP): Senior racer Chandra Alim is targeting two titles in the third leg of the national speed rally and fourth leg of the sprint rally in Palembang, South Sumatra, this weekend.

Chandra expressed optimism on Wednesday that he could be successful in the events due to his experience and high performing team.

He is sharing second position in the current national standings with Aga Kartiwa. They earned 15 points after competing in the first leg in Medan, North Sumatra, and the second leg in West Java.

Racer Fauzi Aldjufrie is in top position with 16 points.

"On paper, I have a great chance of overcoming my rivals, most of whom are younger, because I'm more experienced. But I will not underestimate them and will try my best to avoid mistakes," he said.

Chandra said he would benefit from the rallying schedule.

"I can win both events. Soon after finishing the speed rally, I will compete in the sprint rally, which use the same track in the last two special stages (SS) of the speed rally."

"We still remember the track very well and we can prepare on whatever route we must take," said Chandra, who has been a racer since 1975 and has won a number of races in the Group N categories and Formula Asia races.

Chandra, who will bring his Chalim Motorsport team, will drive his Mitsubishi Evolution III car, which has been in use since 1996.

"But I have replaced some of my car's components with new ones following my team's failure in the last national championships in West Java," he said.

Chandra said he had a good track record in rallying in Palembang.

"In 1997, we were only second, after champion Hutomo Mandala Putra. It was understandable, because Hutomo's car was more sophisticated. Moreover, he was skillful and more experienced," he said, referring to the youngest son of former president Soeharto, who was also a racer and former chairman of the Indonesian Motorsport Association.

"This year, we do not feel threatened, although there will be young racers. They are not a threat; they are a challenge for us."

The rally is sponsored by PT Fuchs Indonesia, a manufacturer of the well-known lubricant Titan.

"If this year's result is satisfactory, PT Fuchs Indonesia may increase the cooperation. There will likely be a new team to back me up, but I don't know which racers will join me," he said. (ivy)