Twenty cars ready to battle at Formula Asia race in Sentul
JAKARTA (JP): Twenty cars are set to battle their way to top honors at the Formula Asia single seater race at Sentul international track on Aug. 5-7.
Host Indonesia will field the biggest in number with 12 cars while others coming from England (1), Hong Kong (2), Malaysia (2), India (2) in the second round of the Formula Asia circuit. The first round was also held at Sentul on July 9 -10.
The third and fourth round in the series are scheduled to be staged in Malaysia, one in Sjah Alam track near Kuala Lumpur and another in Johor, a Formula Asia Ltd. official said.
"So far 20 cars from five countries have submitted their entry forms to the committee," Malaysia's Yoong Yin Fah said.
He said the second round of the race at Sentul will be more challenging as Indonesian drivers who were making their debut in the first round seemed to have developed their skills in handling the Formula cars.
David Sonenscher of England who won the first round hinted at having the same opinion, saying the second round of the race will be harder to win.
"I should fight harder to again win the race," Sonenscher told newsmen on Wednesday.
Chandra Alim, Indonesia's leading race driver who introduced the Formula Asia to the country, will once again try his luck in the race, officially called Djarum Formula Asia championship. He was involved in an accident during the first round but luckily was uninjured.
Superbike
Meanwhile the Sentul track which has been certified by the world controlling body of auto sport FIA/FIAM will host an international superbike motor championship on Aug. 20 and 21.
World leading biker from England Carl Forgaty is expected to demonstrate his skill on his Ducati 500 cc motor bike. He will be challenged by the 1993 world champion American Scott Russel. Russel who has carded 112 points behind Forgaty (128) will compete under the banner of Kuwait.
"Indonesia will host the sixth leg of the world superbike championship after England, Germany, Italy, Spain and Austria," chief committee Tinton Suprapto said.
He said from Indonesia the race will move to Japan (Aug. 28), the Netherlands (Sept. 11), San Marino (Sept. 25) before finishing the series in Argentina on Nov. 6.
Tickets to watch the race at Sentul is priced Rp 20,000 and Rp 5,000.
Spectators who buy tickets may have a chance to win door prizes provided by the sponsor in the form of a brand new car, motor bike, TV set and refrigerator.(rsl)