Shaw clocks fastest in Formula Asia trial

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