Shaw clocks fastest in Formula Asia trial
JAKARTA (JP): Hong Kong's David Shaw overcame the slippery track to clock the fastest time in yesterday's non-qualifying practice for today's and tomorrow's Formula Asia races in Zhuhai, China.
Shaw, who looked poised to wrap up the Formula Asia championship series with a victory in China, completed the 4.1km track of Zhuhai circuit in one minute 52.81 seconds, averaging 134.03kmh.
Indonesia's Roy Haryanto, overall winner of the previous stop in Malaysia last month, kept himself in contention for the title when he finished 1.48 second behind Shaw. Championship leader David Sonencher of England came third in 2.35 second adrift but remained the hot favorite to capture the title tomorrow.
Another Indonesian, Chandra Alim, was in a distant sixth in 1:56.73, but the national seasoned driver expressed guarded optimism that he could make it faster during the real races.
Chandra's Djarum Racing teammate Tommy Santosa managed eighth place, but said he was quite satisfied with the result.
"Considering the hazardous track here, I'm convince each driver is capable of springing a surprise," beaming Chandra said. Indonesian junior, Ananda Mikola, fell victim to the slippery course when he hit Malaysia's Jimmy Low's car, forcing him to walked off the pitch.
All 16 competing drivers will start the race with the first heat today morning. The final heat will be flagged off tomorrow.
The race is staged on a highway in Zhuhai's downtown which has been modified for the Formula Asia. The Formula Asia managing director Yoong Yin Fah said it took the organizers a week to prepare the circuit.
Results of non-qualifying practice of Formula Asia auto racing championship yesterday:
1. Darren Shaw (HK) 1min 52.81sec 2. Roy Haryanto (Ina) 1.48sec behind 3. David Sonencher (GB) 2.35sec 4. Stanley Iriawan (Ina) 3.39sec 5. Akbar Ebrahim (Mal) 3.64sec 6. Chandra Alim (Ina) 3.92sec 7. Alexander Yoong (Mal) 4.67sec 8. Tommy Santosa (Ina) 5.30sec 9. Philip Ma (HK) 9.60sec 10. Brian Whillock (Sin) 17.339sec