Press Release from Grid Gossips [press@gridgossips.com]

AFTER rather a long break, Malaysian racing sensation Fahmi Ilyas is back on the grid.

The 17-year-old Formula BMW Pacific driver will be on the starting grid for four races in this weekend’s race in conjunction of the Asian Festival of Speed at the Sepang International Circuit.

“Although it has been a long break between Round 1 in April, it is to my advantage. I have taken the opportunity to study and analyse the circuit and the car,” said the London based lad.

Besides studying his weaknesses and strengths, the Team E-Rain driver, who was favourite to bag a double podium in the opening round, has been watching as much races as he can to keep his race craft sharp.

“I was in Brands Hatch with mentor and manager Aaron Lim to get first hand experience on how the big boys do it. I have been every eager to get into the race seat since then and I am hoping to do very well at Sepang this weekend,” said Fahmi.

The Kuala Lumpur born Formula BMW Pacific debutant could have made the historic start to his single seater career in the season opener in April as he was on the pace for a double podium finish.

However, due to rookie racing incidents Fahmi failed to keep the pace and finish outside the podium positions.

“It was really a case of first time jitters I suppose. Nevertheless, I am very much determined and confident of my chances this weekend.”

“I am targeting to score as much points as possible and also to get on the podium for all races,” said Fahmi.

Leading the charge in both the drivers classification and the Rookie Cup is Ireland’s Gary Thompson who is also Fahmi’s teammate, who came away from the opening rounds with a pole position, one win and another podium finish.Since its debut in 2003, Formula BMW Pacific has quickly become the region’s premier entry-level junior racing series, providing young karters with optimal opportunities to transition into single-seater racing.

The series races at some of the region’s premier events such as September’s 2009 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and November’s season-closing Macau Grand Prix.

In addition to the showcase events, Formula BMW Pacific also provides plenty of track time for the drivers to gain experience, in this case at the Asian Festival of Speed weekend.

Championship Points Tables after Round 2.

Drivers

1.Gary Thompson (IRL/E-Rain Racing) 28 points; 2. Chris Wootton (AUS/Eurasia Motorsport) 22.5 points; 3. Rio Haryanto (INA/Questnet Team Qi-Meritus) 22 points; 4. Calvin Wong (MAS/Team Holzer PFX) 11 points; 5. Axcil Jefferies (ZIM/Eurasia Motorsport) 10 points; 6. Dustin Sofyan (INA/Questnet Team Qi-Meritus) 8 points; 7. Aditya Patel (IND/Atlantic Racing Team) 5 points; 8. Cao Hong Wei (CHN/Ao’s Racing) 5 points; 9. Fahmi Ilyas (MAS/E-Rain Racing) 4 points; 10. Akhil Khushlani (IND/E-Rain Racing) 3 points; 11. Dominic Ang (MAS/Team Holzer PFX) 2 points; 12. Fahad Algosaibi (KSA/E-Rain Racing) 1.5 points; 13. Steel Guiliana (AUS/Motaworld Racing) 1 points; 14. Zhu Huan (CHN/Questnet Team Qi-Meritus) ½ point.

Rookie Cup

1. Thompson, 28 points; 2. Wong, 11 points; 3. Jefferies, 10 points; 4. Sofyan, 8 points; 5. Ilyas, 4 points; 6. Algosaibi 1.5 points; 7. Guiliana, 1 point

Teams

1.Eurasia Motorsport, 38.25 points; 2. Questnet Team Qi-Meritus, 26.5 points; 3. E-Rain Racing, 22.875 points; 4. Atlantic Racing Team, 22.5 points; 5. Ao’s Racing Team, 21 points; 6. Team Holzer PFX, 17.5 points; 7. Motaworld Racing, 6 points.

Statistics:

Winners 2009: Thompson (1); Haryanto (1)

Pole Positions: Thompson (2)

Podiums: Thompson (2); Wootton (2); Haryanto (2)

Rookie Cup Wins: Thompson (2)


ends