PAC: Meritus Racing Guangdong Saturday notes

AFIQ THE BEST MALAYSIAN FINISHER ON DAY 1

Guangzhou, China (Sept 4, 2010): Malaysia's Mohd Afiq Ikhwan scored the first podium finish of his Formula BMW Pacific career when he finished third in the day's second race today.

The 19-year-old Meritus Grand Prix driver, who is racing in the Series for the first time this season, clocked 25:54.121s to finish Richard Bradley (25:50.931s) and Jordan Oon (25:53.521s ) to be the best Malaysian finisher today.

Afiq's teammates, Oscar Tunjo and Pasin Lathouras finished fifth and eighth with times of 25:57.092s and 25:59.813srespectively. Earlier, in the first race of the day, Afiq placed sixth with Tunjo fourth and Lathouras eighth.

It was a remarkable drive by Afiq, who didn't have a chance to practice on the Guangdong International Circuit prior to the race as the team's cars were held up at customs.

"I had a good start and after two laps I was able to get by Nabil Jeffri. I'm really happy to have my first podium, especially since I didn't get on the track until Friday. The team worked really hard for me," said Afiq. "I'm glad to finally get my first podium and hopefully, there will be more to come."

Although the rain let up in time for Round 8, dark clouds still hovered and areas of the track were still damp. The field of 16 was split in the decision to use slicks or wet tyres, with Bradley opting for the former and Oon, the latter.

Oon got off to a strong start, but on the exit of Turn 3, Bradley got by and never looked back. Meanwhile, Calvin Wong, starting from third, got off to a difficult start and made a race-ending error at the first corner. Formula BMW Pacific Junior Jesse Dixon (AUS/18/Atlantic Racing Team) started from fourth, but was passed by both Nabil and Afiq. Two laps later Afiq got by Nabil to go third.

The Safety Car came out on Lap 6 after rookies Duvashen Padayachee, Ryan Ritchie and Kotaro Sakurai were stranded in the gravel. When the Safety Car came in at the end of Lap 13, the drivers had just two laps in which to make a difference to the order. Bradley continued to lead, with Oon and Ikhwan behind.

-source: meritus racing