TrackRecord - F4 SEA - 2016 - event 2

Page 1

2016 Octob er

Issue 2

Faine Kahia

Jordan Love

Danial N. Frost

Official Magazine of the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship

2016 Formula 4 SEA Event 2, Clark Philippines Clark International Speedway 14 - 16 October 2016


2

Table of contents

Table of Contents Formula 4 SEA Taiwan

Formula 4 SEA India Formula 4 SEA Thailand

Formula 4 SEA Malaysia

Event Schedule

3

Thursday 13th October...

4

Circuit Details

Clark International Spe...

6

Event Preview

After a successful start the...

48

What is F4

Launched in 2014, FIA Fo...

05 15 11 09 06 20 22

ent 1

g, Malaysia

Event 2

Event 3

Event 4

Event 5

Event 6

Clark, Philippines

Sentul, Indonesia

Sepang, Malaysia

Buriram, Thailand

Sepang, Malaysia

MERITUS Award Gala

52

2016 Calendar

In its inaugural season...

Danial N. Frost

03

Event 2 Schedule

04

Clark International Speedway

06

Event 2 Preview

08

Renault Links F4 Drivers to ...1

10

Entry List

2

12

F4SEA Drivers’ Bio

Love

32

Event 1 Recap

34

Event 1 - Fp & Qualifying

36

Event 1 - Race 1 Highlights

38

Event 1 - Race 2 Highlights

40

Event 1 - Race 3 Highlights

42

Event 1 - Race 4 Highlights

44

Event 1 - Race 5 Highlights

3

46

Event 1 - Race 6 Highlights

Kahia

48

What is F4

52

F4SEA 2016 Calendar

Formula 4 SEA Philippines

Formula 4 SEA Singapore Formula 4 SEA Indonesia

1

Thursday 13th October 2016 All Day Paid Test, Friday 14th October...

Clark International Speedway was built on November 15, 2008 and...

After a successful start to the first season of the Formula 4 South...

22 April 2016, Kuala Lumpur: Drivers in the new Formula 4 South...

32 Presley Martono, 55 Faine Kahia, 66 Danial Frost, 17 Nazim Az...

Amongst the large pool of young aspiring go-karters from the regio...

Jordan

Kuala Lumpur, 7 August 2016 – The opening event of the inaugural...

Already quickest during the morning practice session, it was Jordan...

With Jordan lined up on the front row for the late afternoon race...

Having secured a hard-fought win in Race 1 on Friday, Race 2 on...

With the grid reversed for the top-five drivers’ results from the...

After suffering a mechanical failure in the previous race that prevent...

With Love, Danial and Kahia again locking out the top three positio...

With the grid positions for the final race of the weekend reversed...

Launched in 2014, FIA Formula 4 has been created to offer young...

n its inaugural season, the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship...

Faine


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

Event Schedule Thursday 13th October 2016 All Day

Paid Practice

Friday 14th October 2016

All Day

Paid Practice

Saturday 15th October 2016

0700 0930 1200 1430

-

0730 1000 1230 1505

Free Practice Qualifying Race 1 : 10 Laps Race 2 : 13 Laps

1700

-

1730

Race 3 : 10 Laps

Sunday 16th October 2016

0700 0930 1210 1520

-

0730 1005 1250 1555

Free Practice Race 4 : 13 Laps Race 5 : 10 Laps Race 6 : 13 Laps

3


Circuit details

16

10

○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣

○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣○␣

○␣

○␣ Pit Lane ○␣ ○␣○␣ In ○␣○␣

○␣○␣

○␣○␣

○␣○␣

○␣○␣○␣

18

○␣○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣

○␣○␣○␣

○␣

○␣ ○␣

○␣○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣

○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣

12

○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣

○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣ ○␣

Safety Car Line 1

○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

♂♀

Speed Limit Start

ds an Gr

d

tan

nce tra En

Location: Pampanga, Philippines Type: Permanent road course Length: 4.189 km Direction: Anti-Clockwise Corners 18 Straights 1 Sectors: 1

○␣

13

○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣

○␣ ○␣

14

○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣

11 ○␣ ○␣○␣○␣○␣

○␣ ○␣

○␣○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣

15

○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣○␣ ○␣○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣

○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣○␣ ○␣

17

○␣ ○␣

4

Clark International Speedway was built on November 15, 2008 and has a Grade 4 accreditation level from the FIA. The 4.2 km circuit features 18 turns and runs in a counter-clockwise direction. Construction began in early 2007. It opened to the public in November 2008 with only the drag strip completed. The West Course was then finished by 2009 followed by the East Course. Gradually, the pit lane, paddock, grandstand were built over time. The circuit can also be split into 2

○␣

○␣

○␣

○␣


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

2

4

○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣

○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣

○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣ ○␣○␣

9

○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣

○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣ ○␣

Safety Car Line 2

○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣

○␣

○␣○␣○␣ ○␣

○␣○␣ ○␣

○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣ ○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣○␣○␣

○␣ ○␣

7 ○␣

○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣

○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

6

○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ Pit Lane ○␣ ○␣○␣ Out ○␣○␣

1

○␣ ○␣

8

○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣ ○␣

○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣

5

○␣

3

○␣

5

○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣

○␣ ○␣

○␣ ○␣○␣ Limit Speed ○␣○␣ Stop ○␣○␣ ○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

Pi t

in d l i u

B

P

g

○␣○␣○␣○␣

○␣ ○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣ ○␣○␣

F4SEA Race Village

separate short courses. The West Course is 1.960 km long and has 12 turns while the East Course is 1.900 km long with 8 turns. Additionally, the CIS’ main straight can be run as a 970 meter drag strip. Clark International Speedway hosts both 2- and

Clark International Speedway 4-wheeled events. This includes the Philippine Superbike Championship, Toyota Vios Cup, Philippine GT Championship, Philippine Touring Car Championship, and FlatOut Race Series. The layout also has a 1 km drag strip that hosts the National Drag

Racing Championship. The circuit will host the second event of the 2016–17 Formula 4 South East Asia Championship. This will be the first event in the motorsport venue to be certified by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile.


6

Event preview

Event 2 Preview Kuala Lumpur, 10 October 2016 – After a successful start to the first season of the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship (F4/SEA) – certified by FIA last August, the young drivers are all set for the second event of the season at Clark International Speedway in the Philippines this October.

Featuring the same six-racesper-weekend format, the second installation from the six scheduled events will take place from 15 to 16 October.

With an expected 16-car grid for the event, the growing F4/SEA championship will also include the participation of drivers from the Philippines in the line up.

Set to be the first FIA-certified race event to be held in the Philippines, it will also be the first time the young drivers will face a circuit that runs anticlockwise. Measuring 4.189km long, the tight and twisty Clark International Speedway will see the young drivers navigate the circuit’s 18 turns, with the majority being ‘left-handers’.

Johnny G. Tan

(Circuit Owner, Clark International Speedway) The 2016 Formula 4 South East Asia Championship to be held at the Clark International Speedway this October 15 and 16 is a big boost to Philippine Motorsports. It will pave the way for young drivers’ development from karting to junior formula. An international race of this magnitude will be a welcome development for motorsport for the whole Asian region.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

7

This includes 16-year old Gabriel Cabrera (PHI, Car #51) and brothers, 18-year old Benjamin Grimes (PHI, Car #77) and 16-year old Sam Grimes (PHI, Car #16). The event also welcomes the participation of one of the Philippines’ leading corporations, Petron, as the official fuel supplier to the F4/SEA Philippines event.

Peter Thompson (Chairman - Triple A)

It is incredible that we have come to this final point in the inaugural season of the F4/SEA. It feels like we just launched it but already we have travelled to Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, on top of the three events including this final event right here at Sepang. It has been an incredible first season, with these young drivers showing us incredible promise and a glimpse into what the motorsports’ future generation looks like especially through our continuous and ongoing efforts to develop a truly Asian motorsport eco-system!”


8

Renault links F4 drivers to F1

Renault Links F4 Drivers to F1

22 April 2016, Kuala Lumpur: Drivers in the new Formula 4 South East Asia championship are the only FIA F4 global format drivers linked to Formula 1 through F4SEA’s unique use of the Renault F4R race engine. Two F4SEA driver ambassadors were guests of Renault Sport F1 at the recent Australian GP. Malaysian Adam Khalid and New Zealander Maori Faine Kahia were privileged to spend some time with the Renault Sport F1 drivers experiencing what goes on behind the scenes in the pit garage and listening to the Renault drivers communicating with their engineers.

Fred Vasseur

(Racing Director of Renault Sport Racing “The Renault Sport Academy is a highly beneficial tool for young drivers. Firstly, we thoroughly evaluate them to give the right steer through the vast motorsport landscape. Then, they are exposed to the pinnacle of technology through the F1 team and what is required to get there. In short, we aim to turn each Academy driver into an elite athlete, capable of performing to his or her absolute best.”


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

9

Renault’s involvement in F4SEA gives drivers a lot of confidence, Adam Khalid explained: “It’s a real big thing not just for Asia but for the whole F4, the fact that we already have links to the Renault F1 team in the early stages.” Faine Kahla agreed: “It’s really comforting to know that Renault is taking the F4SEA seriously. There’s not many pathways in the motorsport world which don’t just require a big pocket! It’s awesome for Renault to have that development opportunity and I hope I’ll be part of it.”

The F4SEA championship, powered by the recently-FIA-homologated Renault F4R race engine, will kick off the F4SEA 30-race programme on 6/7 August at Sepang F1 circuit. Groupe Renault confirmed during the Chinese F1GP that a Chinese driver will join the Renault Sport Academy. F4SEA Promoter Peter Thompson says: “Renault Sport has also confirmed our drivers are part of their portfolio considered for the Renault Sport Academy. I believe our F4SEA drivers will impress everyone and a place at the Renault Sport Academy is our ultimate goal.”

Cyril Abiteboul

(Renault Sport Managing Director)

“F4 is a fantastic platform in Asia to find a young and emerging star in the area to bring to F1 one day.“


10

F4SEA 2016 entry list

32

Presley Martono

55

Faine Kahia

66

Danial N. Frost

15 June 2000

02 Jujly 1996

18 October 2001

17

Nazim Azman

71

Kezia Santoso

88

Keanon Santoso

33

Akash Gowda

46

Mohamed Nalwalla

79

Jordan Love

5

Adam Khalid

17 August 2001

07 September 1998

19 June 2000

27 August 1998

08 October 1998

27 April 1999

12 October 1998


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

68

Chia Wing Hoong

19

Isyraf Danish

23

Eric Louis

06 December 1995

19 February 2000

01 May 1997

8

Khalid A Wahaibi

16

Sam Grimes

77

Ben Grimes

56

David Tatinclaux

7

Worawong Komarakul

09 July 2000

16 February 2000

16 July 1998

03 September 2000

11 Dec 1996

25

Daniel Lu Hibbitt

34

Kane Shepherd

02 Jan 2001

02 January 2001

11


12

Drivers bio

32

Date of Birth:

15 June 2000

Place of Birth:

Jakarta, Indonesia

Occupation:

Student

Height:

175 cm

Weight:

59 kg

Blood Type:

A+

Hobbies

Cooking, video games

Favourite Sport:

Basketball

Favourite Artistes:

Zayn Malik, Kaia Gerber

Favourite Athlete:

Mo Farrah

Favourite Driver:

Lewis Hamilton

Racing Debut:

2008 (Go-Karts)

Instagram:

@presleymartono

Presley Martono

Amongst the large pool of young aspiring go-karters from the region making the transition to singleseater formula race cars, Presley Martono stands out like a sore thumb, in a good way, of course. Sporting a swagger that is all his own as he arrives at the circuit, Presley leaves quite an indelible impression wherever he goes and with whoever he meets. A big, fiery personality, Presley also has the chops when it comes to racing, making waves in both the local and international go-kart races. Indonesian champion in 2013 and third runner-up in Asia, his biggest and favourite accomplishment was when he won the Italian ACI Karting Championship 60 mini in Ortona Italy, a day that has and will continue to be etched into the young Indonesian’s psyche. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Presley does not shy away from expressing himself, especially when it concerns his racing performance. His larger-thanlife personality often comes at a price to his fellow competitors who all begrudgingly admit his overt passion does fuel his drive to perform at his very best, all the time. Presley’s fiery passion is evident both on and offtrack as the youngster has only one goal in his mind: to beat off the competition and win, which he works hard to achieve.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

55

Place of Birth:

2 July 1996

Lives :

Taupo, New Zealand

13

Occupation: Height:

176cm

Weight:

79kg

Blood Type:

O

Hobbies

Working out

Favourite Sport:

Motorsports

Favourite Artistes:

2Pac

Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver:

Lewis Hamilton

Racing Debut :

201X (Go-Karts)

Instagram:

@faine_k

Faine Kahia

Faine’s motto for racing: Drive it like you stole it! “Speed is life. Speed to me is one big breath – the faster the speed, the deeper the breath,” says Faine Kahia who is always ready to have a laugh, has a big heart and is determined to never give up, which lends to his natural racing qualities. Faine knows that when he is driving, he is “Instinctive”, “strategic”, and “respectful.’ One of his dreams is to one day drive the Koenigsegg One:1. The car-maker that stunned the world in September 2011 when it set a Guinness World Record time of 21.19seconds for the 0-3000 km/h run in the Koenigsegg Agera R. The time achieved by the Koenigsegg One:1 had managed to trim a full 3.24 seconds from what was already considered to be an unbeatable record time. Faine’s primary ambition is racing after his first experience at the Tokoroa karting track in New Zealand. His first taste for success came when he stepped on the podium in only his third go-kart race meeting at the Hawkes Bay kart track. In addition to being his first time at the track, the result also came after what had been a torrential, rain-soaked affair. At the time he didn’t know anything at all about setup, Faine just drove the wheels off his kart to clinch his first race podium.


14

Drivers bio

66

Place of Birth:

18 October 2001

Lives :

Singapore

Occupation:

Student

Height:

170cm

Weight:

58.7kgs

Blood Type: Hobbies Favourite Sport: Favourite Artistes: Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver:

Lewis Hamilton

Racing Debut :

2014 (Go-karts)

Website:

@danial_frost

Danial N. Frost

Speed is clearly in Danial’s blood as he arrives at the circuit on his Segway board, which is never far from his sight as he darts back and forth whenever he is not in a racecar. It all started one day when Danial picked up a car in a toy shop, and it was love at first sight. “I found a car that I really liked. I looked at it and then I got interested. My mom built on my passion for that car and I started karting in December 2014 in Singapore. We were going karting with my dad who is in the marine Industry. At first I was competing in ‘fun races’ with my dad, but then it got serious and more competitive. As I was winning and getting better results, I started to get more interested.” Danial adds, “I finished second in my first ever gokart race and of course I was very happy. Later on I went to race in Malaysia with a Singapore karting team, though it did not go so well but I continued karting and then one day, the topic of the AsiaCup Series came up.” On top of his experience with the AsiaCup Series, Danial has also spent some time in a simulator. “It feels good to learn how to better deal with the car, particularly the speed and balance. I believe I will get a simulator for Christmas at home. That will help me improve my racing,” notes Danial.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

17

Place of Birth:

17 August 2001

Lives :

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Occupation:

Student

Height:

155cm

Weight:

44 kg

15

Blood Type: Hobbies Favourite Sport: Favourite Artistes: Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver: Racing Debut :

2012 (Go-Karts)

Website:

Nazim Azman

A native and resident of the capital city of Malaysia, Nazim Azman comes from a family of four brothers. His mother is a writer. Asked where his desire for racing came from, Nazim is quick to reply “that’s easy. My dad!” Growing up, Nazim quickly inherited his businessman father’s keen interest in racing in almost any form. He comes to the race track with his AirWheel in tow, manoeuvring the one-wheel scooter with the dexterity of a wizard. For Nazim, it all started in 2011 when he began gokarting, convincing his family that he was ready to compete the following year. Still excited with the memory of his first race, Nazim recalls, “I was second at one point in that race but then I had a crash and only managed to finish eighth. It was a pity, but overall since I started I have learned a lot.” That was evident when he notched several podium finishes in his debut season in the AsiaCup Series in 2015.


16

Drivers bio

71

Place of Birth:

7 July 1998

Lives :

Jakarta, Indonesia

Occupation:

Student ( )

Height: Weight: Blood Type: Hobbies Favourite Sport:

Swimming

Favourite Artistes: Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver:

Max Verstappen

Racing Debut :

2010 (Go-Karts)

Website:

Kezia Santoso

The elder of the two Santoso siblings, Kezia is one of only a handful of females involved in the sport, and is quick to understand the seemingly overwhelming disadvantage she’s put herself in. “I think people think of it [racing] as a man’s sport and that motivates me to overcome those challenges,” she explains. Having achieved considerable success in go-karts, Kezia made the switch to single-seater formula cars with the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship in 2016. Like the other debutants, her first time was all about getting comfortable, something she explains like a pro, “it is all about gaining confidence. With more track time, I get more comfortable.” Drawing inspiration from her favourite race car driver, Max Verstappen, the 18-year old lass explains, “I like his work ethic a lot and really admire what he has already achieved as an F1 driver. It is truly inspiring.” Hard to deny that as they youngster has already made waves not just in F1 but across the motorsports spectrum. Of her dreams and ambitions, Kezia keeps it straightforward and simple, “to get as far as I can in racing.” She doesn’t confine herself to any specific racing genre but keeps an open mind about options, going on to note “I want to try different types of race cars, like touring cars.”


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

88

Place of Birth:

19 June 2000

Lives :

Jakarta, Indonesia

Occupation:

Student

Height:

170cm

Weight:

62kg

Blood Type:

O+

Hobbies

Karting, Basketball

Favourite Sport:

Racing, Basketball

Favourite Artistes:

-

Favourite Athlete:

Muhammad Ali

Favourite Driver:

Ryo Haryanto

Racing Debut :

2009 (Go-Karts)

Website:

@keanon19

17

Keanon Santoso

Like all young aspiring drivers, Keanon started gokarting in 2009 in the hope of fuelling an ambition for racing, which he explains quite simply as, “a love of speed. I love it when you get the adrenalin rush especially when overtaking someone in a race.” Hailing from a family who passionately embrace motorsport, Keanon’s source of inspiration is none other than his distant relative, Rio Haryanto. Like Indonesia’s first Formula 1 driver, Keanon has chosen to take his path into the single-seater formula racing world with Peter Thompson and Firhat Mokhzani, the same team who shaped Rio’s humble beginnings. Keanon is also acutely aware at first hand of the dangers and the reality of motorsport and explains “Rio worked really hard to get to F1 and never once gave up in spite of the challenge and adversity.” It’s hard to discount Rio’s courage and tenacity, one that has earned the youngster a healthy respect amongst what can at times be an unforgiving Formula 1 fraternity. He sets an excellent example for Keanon to follow in his footsteps adn we hope to see a lot more of this young driver in the future.


18

Drivers bio

33

Place of Birth:

27 August 1998

Lives :

Bangalore, India

Occupation:

Student

Height:

163cm

Weight:

55kgs

Blood Type:

B Positive

Hobbies

Any physical activities

Favourite Sport:

Football

Favourite Artistes:

Coldplay

Favourite Athlete:

Usain Bolt

Favourite Driver:

Lewis Hamilton

Racing Debut :

Amaron Karting

Website:

Akashgowda.com

Akash Gowda

“It all started when my family and I went fun-karting and as it turned out, I was actually quite good and people started appreciating me,” was how 18-year old Akash Gowda describes how his passion for racing was ignited. Some would say that Akash is perhaps already genetically predisposed to racing with a father who himself competed in national rallying events and remains an avid motorsports enthusiast. Harish Gowda was Akash’s first talent scout, having identified and recognised his son’s talent. Training then began in earnest. Akash notes, “It was also around this time that the AKC was announced with races happening around the country. I was prepared for the challenge and my father wasted no time in enrolling me for the races, despite the limited training and exposure.” At the AKC Akash took his first step in his racing career. While Akash loves the sheer exhilaration of racing, he is game for any kind of sport. “I just love all kinds of physical activity, it really does not matter what as long as my body is always active, I’m good with that. I have always loved speed, and I don’t think there is another sport that is as interesting as racing, in every aspect – from the physical and mental strength required. And there is so much more to learn and do in racing as compared to other sports.”


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

46

Place of Birth:

8 October 1998

Lives :

Dubai, UAE

Occupation:

Student

Height:

168cm

Weight:

48kgs

Blood Type:

B Positive

Hobbies

Swimming

Favourite Sport:

Motorsports

Favourite Artistes:

Dwayne Johnson

Favourite Athlete:

Usain Bolt

Favourite Driver:

Lewis Hamilton

Racing Debut :

JK Tyre Rookie Cup

Instagram:

@mohammednalwalla

19

Mohammed Nalwalla

India’s Mohammed Nalwalla pursued his dream by taking the first step in go-karts in his homeland. The youngster’s progression was nothing short of stellar when he claimed the runner-up title in the JK Tyre Rookie Cup Championship in his racing debut year in 2014. He would go on to repeat another fine racing season in 2015 when he came home in overall second place in the National Karting Championship as well as the vice champion in the Kart Open championships. The Mumbai-native notes, “I had a strong passion for cars from very early on.” The choice to go into racing was encouraged by an elder brother and his parents. The 18-year old keeps his family close to his heart as he notes, “my family is tremendously important to me as their continued moral support and encouragement has helped me to achieve what I have and what I will achieve in the future.” A fan of triple Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Nalwalla also draws inspiration from India’s most successful and internationally-recognised sports megastar – Sachin Tendulkar, which is not difficult to understand, given the world’s best batsman’s iconic god-like national status in his cricket-mad homeland. Like most young racing stars, Mohammed Nalwalla aspires to reach F1 one day.


20

Drivers bio

79

Place of Birth:

27 April 1999

Lives :

Perth, Australia

Occupation:

Student

Height:

170cm

Weight:

62 kg

Blood Type: Hobbies Favourite Sport: Favourite Artistes: Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver:

Daniel Ricciardo

Racing Debut :

201X (Go-karts)

Website:

Jordan Love

Jordan Love’s connection with motorsport is very much rooted in his DNA, thanks largely to his father who used to race touring cars and continues to have a passion for racing. And that connection extends to Jordan’s younger brother, Aaron, who is storming Australia’s go-kart scene. Jordan explains, “I started go-karting in Australia and that is where Peter Thompson spotted me and organised a few test days in a formula car.” That encounter with Peter would see Jordan expand his horizons to Asia as he stamped his authority on the AsiaCup Series in 2015, winning 15 out of the 16 races, leaving the rest of his competitors in his wake. Jordan explains his secret, “I give everything, I do 110 per cent effort. I drive my heart out at every race.” When asked about his ambitions, Mr. 110% has already marked a clear path as he elaborates, “I want to be climbing the ladder, starting with F4/ SEA. That is the plan and I want the ladder to take me to Europe. I chose to compete in the F4/SEA championship because all the cars are the same and there are good tracks on the calendar.” Despite his victorious streak, Jordan keeps his feet grounded and recalls as his fondest memory his first ever podium at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. “The track is amazing and the circuit facilities are nice. If it is wet the racing can be a surprise. But it is not too bad.”


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

19

Place of Birth:

19 February 2001

Lives :

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Occupation:

Student (??)

Height:

170cm

Weight:

50kg

21

Blood Type: Hobbies

Ice-skating

Favourite Sport:

Ice-hockey

Favourite Artistes:

Arianna Grande

Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver:

Sebastian Vettel

Racing Debut :

2015 (Go-Karts)

Website:

Instagram @syafx

Isyraf Danish

The youngest of three siblings, Isyraf shares his love of motorsport with his father. And that love was enough to pave Isyraf’s path into the sport albeit virtually with the video-game version - before eventually transitioning to racing go-karts in 2015. Unlike his compatriots who are perhaps more seasoned, Isyraf is undeterred and is already adamant about his career path as he explains “I want to focus on being like my hero Sebastian Vettel.” Isyraf admires how Sebastian earned four straight world championship crowns and many Formula One records and became the youngest pole-sitter, winner and champion in F1 history, pointing out that the German started his career while still a teenager, having taken up karting in 1995 at a local kart track in his native village of Heppenheim. Evidently Isyraf’s father does not share his son’s admiration for the F1 champion as, while watching any F1 race on TV, the patriarch cheers only for Briton Lewis Hamilton! Isyraf’s dream is that “I may have the same luck and smooth path to F1 as Sebastian.” The birth of the F4/SEA comes at the right time for Isyraf who is committed to familiarising himself with the F4 cars and intensifying his training.


22

Drivers bio

5

Place of Birth:

12 October 1998

Lives :

Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Occupation:

Student

Height: Weight: Blood Type: Hobbies Favourite Sport: Favourite Artistes: Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver:

Michael Schumacher

Racing Debut :

201X (Go-Karts)

Website:

Instagram @crazychicken

Adam Khalid

Adam Khalid is the second oldest in a large family with three younger brothers and two sisters. A student at the Australian International School in Selangor, Adam’s first encounter with racing came from a relative. He recalls, “my first experience was driving my uncle’s car at around the Sepang circuit and I immediately fell in love with ‘speed’. But racing is not just about speed. It’s all about momentum and consistency.” Coming from a highly supportive family, Adam adds, “my dad is in the automotive industry, while my mom is an accountant and everyone in the family loves racing and supports me and gives me valuable advice.” It was not an easy start for Adam who notes, “I was overweight and my family convinced me to lose weight if I really wanted to race. I am fitter now after losing 20 kilos in two years.” Like his fellow compatriots, it all began on the gokart track for Adam who quickly made a mark for himself winning the Malaysian Championship in Sepang and eventually qualifying for the Karting World-S finals in Spain. Adam adds, “seems like I always had racing in my blood. After my grandparents passed away in 1997 in a helicopter crash, I realized that my parents had made a lot of sacrifices to allow me to go racing and help me.”


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

68

Place of Birth:

6 December 1995

Lives :

Selangor, Malaysia

Occupation:

Student

Height:

178cm

Weight:

64kgs

Blood Type:

B Positive

Hobbies

Motorsports

Favourite Sport:

Motorsports

Favourite Artistes:

-

Favourite Athlete:

Fernando Alonso

Favourite Driver:

Fernando Alonso

Racing Debut :

2012 (Go-karts)

Website:

www.winghoong-chia.org

23

Chia Wing Hoong

A self-professed fan of cars and motorsports for as long as his memory permits, Malaysian Wing Hoong Chia is a true-blue petrolhead with racing embedded deep within his cerebral cortex! It is not difficult to discover and discern the reasons behind his involvement in motorsport. Though selfmotivated, the young Malaysian credits his ex-racer father, adding, “My dad played quite a big part in influencing my racing career.” With an illustrious record in the go-kart scene, both at home and abroad, Wing is no stranger to life in the fast lane in all its permutations, having had the opportunity to compete at the Sepang 12 Hours race in the touring production class. An indication as to his future racing career inclinations, Wing states his ultimate racing ambition as, “being a paid professional racing driver in GT cars or prototypes, hopefully with a works team.” The next step on the racing ladder from go-karts into single-seater formula racing, the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship, Wing see as “a great development series for young drivers and a great way to start a racing career.”


24

Drivers bio

51

Place of Birth:

20 January 2000

Lives :

Manila, Philippines

Occupation:

Student (Makati Hope Christian School, Manila)

Height: Weight: Blood Type: Hobbies

Cooking, video games

Favourite Sport:

Badminton, Basketball

Favourite Artistes:

2Pac

Favourite Athlete:

Tiger Woods

Favourite Driver:

Lewis Hamilton

Racing Debut :

2011

Instagram:

@gabetayao

Gabriel Cabrera

Gabriel Antonio Tayao Cabrera, or simply “Gabe” as he is known amongst his racing peers, friends and family began his career in much the same way his fellow competitors did, in go-karts. Gabe explains, “I had already had this dream of racing go-karts since I was 7 years old, but I did not know where to go.” Through the tenacity of his family, who encouraged and paved the way for the youngster, Gabe has stormed his way through the region’s go-kart scene, with a very long list of accolades to his name since debuting in 2011. His success has not gone unnoticed with media representatives, journalists and reporters following his every career move. Despite of all the attention, the young 16-year-old remains incredibly humble and more importantly, real. While his family provides an astonishing amount of support and encouragement as he pursues his racing dream, they also insist he keeps up with his schoolwork. According to the Manilaborn lad, his school friends also keep him grounded even if they prefer mainstream sports like basketball to motor racing. Gabe feels a mix of excitement and nervousness in his debut formula racing season, especially with one event taking place on home soil at Clark International Speedway.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

23

25

Place of Birth:

1 May 1997

Lives :

Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Occupation:

Racing driver

Height:

184cm

Weight:

66kg

Blood Type:

AB+

Hobbies

Basketball and working out

Favourite Sport:

Basketball and football

Favourite Artistes:

Arianna Grande

Favourite Athlete:

LeBron James

Favourite Driver:

Lewis Hamilton

Racing Debut :

2012 (Go-Karts)

Instagram:

@princelouis23

Eric Louis

Eric Louis Pragasam’s racing career began with winning a funkart outing at Sunway Lagoon’s Extreme Park in Malaysia. He explains, “after my time in the funkart against the other drivers, the guys told my dad that I was really good!” That single event would prove to be a turning point for 9-year-old Eric whose family then began to take his racing more seriously. It did not, however, happen instantaneously as it would be another five years before he would begin competing. A larger-than-life personality, Eric enjoy the attention from his school mates, saying “generally everyone supports me but I know that some of my friends are a bit jealous.” A huge basketball fan, NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron “King” James is one of Eric’s biggest sporting heros, “to me, he is the best athlete ever!” In Formula 1, Eric counts Lewis Hamilton as his idol and wants to be like the two-time Formula 1 World Champion. “He wears his heart on his sleeve, which is a quality I really like about Lewis,” explains Eric. In 2015 Eric was lucky enough to meet Lewis, after winning an online competition “It was such an awesome experience to meet him and he told me: ‘A lot of people will tell you to give up and stop racing, don’t listen to anyone. Just keep racing as long as your parents support you’,” smiles Eric.


26

Drivers bio

8

Place of Birth:

Muscat, Oman

Lives :

Muscat, Oman

Occupation:

Student

Height:

178cm

Weight:

64kgs

Blood Type:

B Positive

Hobbies

Motorsports

Favourite Sport:

Motorsports

Favourite Artistes:

-

Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver: Racing Debut : Website:

Khalid Al Wahaibi

From Muscat, Oman, Khalid races under his lucky number, 8. With karting experience in the Rotax Max Challenge, he joined Formula 4 South East Asia at Event 2 in the Philippines where he qualified on pole for race 6 in his formula car debut. Unfortunately the race was subsequently cancelled due to Typhoon Karen, but Khalid will have the chance to catch up with seven races at Event 5 in Buriram. Khalid showed well in Sepang at Event 4 and his comments on the challenging track were: “Compared to Sentul (Indonesia) and Clark (Philippines) I really like the Sepang Circuit. It has a lot of fast flowing corners. Every corner almost has a straight after it and you need to maintain a good pace on the exits, otherwise you can lose a lot of time. I really like the characteristics of the track and my favourite corners have to be the sweeping flatout Turns 5 and 6.�


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

56

Place of Birth:

France

Lives :

Seoul, Korea

Occupation:

Student

Height:

178cm

Weight:

64kgs

27

Blood Type: Hobbies

Karting, Racing and Cars

Favourite Sport:

Motorsports

Favourite Artistes:

-

Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver:

Vettel and Alonso

Racing Debut :

2006 (Go-karts)

Website:

David Tatinclaux

16-year-old French national, David Tatinclaux is the youngest of three siblings and lives in Korea. Having lived in France, Spain and Malaysia, the family plan to return to France next summer. A self-professed adrenaline junkie who thrives on speed and challenges, the young racer fell in love with karting over ten years ago. David has participated in Rotax Max Challenge Senior Class, KKC and RMC karting in Korea, and will never forget the taste of his first victory. Racing under number 56 which is the day and month of his birthday and his father’s year of birth, David graduated to F4 South East Asia in December 2016. Of his first formula test and race at Sepang he says: “my approach is to take it slowly, step by step. As its my first time here I like the Sepang track with a really nice mix of highspeed corners and long straights.” Inspired by Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, David pledges to do everything he can to succeed and keep fighting for the win. This young driver with big dreams believes confidence is the key to success in racing.


28

Drivers bio

25

Place of Birth:

Shanghai, China

Lives :

Shanghai, China

Occupation:

Student

Height: Weight: Blood Type: Hobbies

Motorsports

Favourite Sport:

Motorsports

Favourite Artistes:

-

Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver: Racing Debut :

Karting debut 2014

Website:

Daniel Lu Hibbitt

Born in Shanghai to a Chinese mother and a British father, Daniel attends the British International School in Shanghai, and he speaks perfect English and Mandarin. He only started karting together with his younger brother in 2014 and competed in the full Rotax Max Junior Challenge in China. In 2015 he contested the DIA Trophy in Italy and was category winner. In 2016 he had podium wins in the German KZ2 Championship. He will make his formula car debut at the F4/SEA Event 5 in Buriram. However he has some formiula testing experience in Formula Renault in Zhuhai, China. Daniel is a passionate young racer and would like to make a professional career in the sport. He will race in Thailand in car number 25.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

34

Place of Birth:

Thailand

Lives :

Thailand

Occupation:

Student

Height:

181cm

Weight:

64kgs

29

Blood Type: Hobbies

Motorsports

Favourite Sport:

Motorsports

Favourite Artistes:

-

Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver: Racing Debut :

2010 (Go-karts)

Website:

Kane Shepherd

Kane has been karting successfully for the last six years, winning national and international events around Asia. In 2016 Kane won the Thailand Rotax Max Senior Championship which earned him a scholarship of two free test days in the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship. Event 5 of the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship in Buriram Thailand will be Kane’s first ever formula race. His chosen race number is 34.


30

Drivers bio

7

Place of Birth:

Bangkok, Thailand

Lives :

San Francisco, California

Occupation:

Student

Height:

173cm

Weight:

62kgs

Blood Type: Hobbies

Motorsports

Favourite Sport:

Motorsports

Favourite Artistes:

-

Favourite Athlete: Favourite Driver: Racing Debut : Website:

Worawong Komarakul From Bangkok Thailand, Worawong Komarakul now lives in San Francisco where he is a university student. He originally joined AsiaCup in 2014 where he achieved no less than 15 podium positions in the 16 races and finsihed 2nd in the Championship behind Australian Jake Parsons. Plu, as he is nicknamed in Thailand, then joined the Meritus Formula Masters Champinship in 2015 before heading off to San Francisco to complete his third level education as an Automotive Design Engineer. Plu participates in USA karting and finished top 30 in the USANATS last November in Vegas. Home from the US for Christmas holiday, he is looking forward to racing in Event 5 on his home track in Buriram where he will race in car number 7.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

31


32

Previous event report

Event 1 Report Kuala Lumpur, 7 August 2016 – The opening event of the inaugural Formula 4 South East Asia Championship (F4SEA) – certified by FIA drew to a successful conclusion on Sunday with the young drivers competing in the final three races of the six scheduled. After a disappointing retirement from Race 3 on Saturday, Sunday morning’s Race 3 witnessed an emphatic comeback for Australian Jordan Love (AUS, Car #79) with a lights-to-flag win. New Zealand’s Faine Kahia (NZL, Car #55) and Danial Frost (SIN, Car #66) claimed second and third places respectively, with the Rookie win going to India’s Muhammad Nalwalla (IND, Car #46). The second race of the day – the fifth out of the six scheduled, saw Danial Frost return to his winning ways, finishing ahead of Kahia. In third place was Malaysian Nazim Azman, with the Rookie win going to Presley Martono (INA, Car #32) of Indonesia. With the grids reversed for the final race of the opening event, India’s Akash Gowda (IND, Car #33) had the honours of starting from pole-position. The closely-fought and exciting affair produced some spectacular racing, with Danial emerging victorious in a sprint to the finish just ahead of championship rival Love with Martono in third place, which was also the Indonesian’s first podium finish in the race and third Rookie win of the weekend.

With this result, Danial leads the championship race with 127 points with Jordan Love in the silver medal position with his total points haul of 108. Rounding off the Top 3 is Faine Kahia with a total of 96 points. Danial’s performance also saw the young Singaporean walk away from the weekend with the Fuji Xerox Star Driver Award for the first event of the championship.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

Event Standings Danial Frost Faine Kahia Nazim Azman Mohamed Nalwalla Isyraf Danish

Jordan Love Akash Gowda Presley Martono Keanon Santoso Kezia Santoso

33


34

Free Practice & Qualifying Highlights

Free Practice & Qualifying

Free Practice and Qualifying (Dry) - Already quickest during the morning practice session, it was Jordan

Love who again outclassed the rest of the field in the mid afternoon qualifying session. With an impressive time of 2m 11.638s en route to his first pole position start in the inaugural F4SEA championship season, the Aussie Ace was also the sole driver to clock a time under the 2m12s mark. Lining up alongside the young Australian was Singapore’s Danial Frost (SIN, Car #66) who managed to post his best time of 2m 12.002s, nearly four tenths off Love’s time. Meanwhile, claiming a third position start for the first race was Malaysia’s Nazim Azman (MAS, Car #17) with a time of 2m 12.092s ahead of New Zealand’s Faine Kahia (NZL, Car #55) who lines up alongside the Malaysian on the second row of the grid in P4.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

With the wait finally over, the brand new Formula 4 South East Asia (F4SEA) Championship got underway at the Sepang International Circuit.

35


36

Race 1 highlights

Race 1 Race 1 (Dry) - With Jordan lined up on the front row for the late afternoon race, the start however, belonged to Singaporean youngster Danial Frost whose lightening start saw him outgun the Aussie ace into the first sequence of corners. Having taken the lead from Jordan, the stage was set for an epic duel between the pair. Taking full advantage of his speed in the first sector, the Singaporean rookie was able to keep Love in his rear mirror for several laps. However, a small but costly mistake on Lap 6 saw Danial leave too much room for Love, allowing the Aussie to mount a challenge for the race lead. A thrilling duel in the final sequence of turns on Lap 6 by the pair saw Love capitalise on his momentum to reclaim the race lead from Danial with three laps to go in the race. The young Australian was better able to take advantage of his pace enabling him to pull out a gap at the front through to the chequered flag for his first race win of the season.

Meanwhile, behind the dueling duo at the front, there was another battle royale between Kiwi Faine Kahia and Presley Martono (INA, Car #32) in the first half of the race. However, an error by Martono on the final corner on Lap 6 allowed Faine Kahia to pull away, who eventually finished in a comfortable third place. Finishing just outside of the podium in P4 after recovering from a poor start was Malaysian Nazim Azman. In fifth place and claiming the Rookie champion was India’s Muhammad Nalwalla (IND, Car #46).


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

Danial N Frost

Jordan Love Faine Kahia

With the first of six races of the weekend already completed on Friday, the drivers will head into Saturday with three more races on the bill.

37


38

Race 2 highlights

Race 2

Race 2 (Dry) Having secured a hard-fought win in Race 1 on Friday, Race 2 on Saturday morning saw a determined Jordan Love out to ensure a better start off the line to stay ahead of the field, and more importantly, keeping Danial Frost (SIN, Car #66) behind him. The strategy paid off for the Aussie ace with a clean start ahead of Danial, Presley Martono (INA, Car #32) and Faine Kahia (NZL, Car #55). Through his incredible pace in the second and third sectors, Love was already able to pull out a healthy gap to Danial midway through the opening lap, extending the lead to over a second by the following lap. Though Danial was able to record similar lap times to Love, the Australian’s quick succession of laps in the early part of the race was enough to ensure a comfortable gap to the Singaporean youngster through to the finish line. Meanwhile, a good start by Indonesian Presley Martono did see him gain a position on New Zealand’s Faine Kahia who had to battle for the position on the opening lap. The young Indonesian driver would however suffer an unfortunate spin that allowed Kahia to regain third place. Behind the leading trio, there were exciting battles involving India’s Muhammad Nalwalla (IND, Car #46) and Akash Gowda (IND, Car #33) together with Malaysian youngster Isyraf Danish. Their on-track battle would prove a noteworthy one, especially with the reverse-grid positions for the next race. Though Nalwalla crossed the finish line ahead of Gowda and Isyraf, a post-race stewards inquiry into a starting procedure infringement led to Nalwalla being given a penalty. This meant the Rookie winner for the race was awarded to Isyraf.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

Danial N Frost

Jordan Love Faine Kahia

39


40

Race 3 highlights

Race 3

Race 3 (16:30hrs) - With the grid reversed for the top five drivers’ results from the previous race, pole position went to Isyraf, ahead of Gowda. Kahia, Danial and Love in third, fourth and fifth on the starting grid, respectively. An unfortunate starting procedure mistake saw the pole-sitter Isyraf fall down the order, gifting the lead of the race to Gowda who managed a great start to successfully fend off the challenge from Love, Kahia and Danial to hold on to a slim lead into the first few corners. After storming through the field from fifth on the grid, the first to threaten Gowda’s lead was Love. Capitalising on his quicker pace and experience, it did not take long before the young Aussie made his move, overtaking Gowda on the final corner for the race lead. Demoted to second, Gowda was then faced by increasing pressure from Kahia and Danial, allowing Jordan the space to pull out a gap to the rest of the field. Unfortunately, the race leader would not have a

comfortable race when a mechanical failure saw him pull to the side of the track ending his race prematurely at the start of Lap 5. The race then took another turn when an incident between pole-sitter Isyraf and Muhammad Nalwalla brought out a safety car period for three laps. The resumption of the race provided more action with Gowda and Kahia engaged in a duel for second position behind Danial Frost who inherited the lead following Love’s retirement. The battle would see Kahia claim second place with Gowda in third, his first F4SEA podium finish. Fourth place went to Indonesia’s Presley Martono who also collected the Rookie winner trophy.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

Faine Kahia

Danial N Frost Akash Gowda

The incident-filled afternoon Race 3 saw the honours go to Singaporean Danial Frost who secured his maiden F4SEA race win.

41


42

Race 4 highlights

Race 4

Race 4 (Dry) - After suffering a mechanical failure in the previous race that prevented Love from claiming a third race victory, Jordan Love was back to his usual form with a great start for Race 4 early on Sunday morning. Pulling out an early lead through to the end of the 10lap race, Love left the rest of the field in his wake. The bulk of the action was thus mostly concentrated on the fight for the final two positions on the podium between Nazim Azman

(MAS, Car #17) who had started on the front row, and Faine Kahia. Meanwhile, a mistake by Race 3 winner, Danial Frost had seen the youngster drop down the order, though he made the most of a safety car period to make his way back up the order, enough to start challenging by the second lap. Before long it had become a 3-way fight for the final podium spots between Nazim, Kahia, Akash Gowda (IND, Car #33) and Danial. Lapping consistently faster than Nazim, it did not take Kahia long to edge past the

Malaysian, leaving Nazim and Danial to battle for the final spot on the podium. Unfortunately, a drive-through penalty for an on-track racing incident involving Nazim effectively removed him from the fight, leaving Danial to inherit the position through to the chequered flag. A commendable fifth place finish for Muhammad Nalwalla also saw the young Indian on the podium to collect his second Rookie winner’s trophy of the weekend.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

Faine Kahia

Jordan Love Danial N Frost

Sunday morning’s Race 4 witnessed an emphatic comeback for Australian Jordan Love (AUS, Car #79) with a lights-to-flag win.

43


44

Race 5 highlights

Race 5 Race 5 (Dry) - With Love, Danial and Kahia again locking out the top three positions on the grid for the midday Race 5, proceedings did not go as scripted particularly for Love. Despite getting ahead and successfully defending his position from Danial, the Aussie ace was given a drive-through penalty for jumping the start. This allowed Danial to take the lead of the race, ahead of Kahia and Nazim, with the trio evenly spread out through most of the race. Towards the tail end of the race, Nazim did come under some pressure from rookie Presley Martono (INA, Car #32). With fresher tyres, the Indonesian had managed to close to within a second of Nazim, but was unable to pass. With a comfortable win for Danial - his second of the weekend, Kahia finished second ahead of Nazim, who managed to defend his third place finish for his first visit to the podium. Martono’s impressive form saw the youngster finish fourth and claim another Rookie win.

With the grids reversed for the final race of the opening event, India’s Akash Gowda (IND, Car #33) had the honours of starting from pole-position.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

Faine Kahia

Danial N Frost Nazim Azman

45


46

Race 6 highlights

Race 6

Race 6 (Dry) - With the grid positions for the final race of the weekend reversed for the top five finishers from the previous race, sitting in pole position was India’s Akash Gowda with Martono lined up alongside him from P2. Following a clean start by the drivers, the Indian kept his cool as he fought to defend the lead in what turned into a five-way fight on the opening lap of the 8-lap race. The young Indian did however find himself in the clutches of a charging Danial who eventually wrestled the lead off Gowda midway through the second lap. Meanwhile, a determined drive from Love saw the Aussie recover significant ground from his seventh grid position start to eventually find himself in contention by the third lap, pressuring first Kahia, then Martono. A supreme defensive effort by the Indonesian driver forced Love to work hard to gain the position, which he successfully did with three laps to go. After putting down a series of fastest laps, the Aussie was able to catch race leader Danial, as he began piling on the pressure for the lead of the final race of the weekend. The thrilling affair ended up being a sprint to the finish with the young Singaporean holding his nerve as he emerged victorious over Love, who had to settle for second place with Martono in third for his maiden podium finish in addition to collecting another Rookie win. The closely-fought race was the closest finish of all six races with the top three separated by just five-tenths of a second, which proved to be a fitting conclusion to the first event.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

Jordan Love

Danial N Frost Presley Martono

47


48

What is F4


16

20

15+

20

20

16+

20 25

17+

TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

F2 Asia

F3 Asia F4 Asia

49

FIA

FIA

FIA

What is F4? Launched in 2014, FIA Formula 4 has been created to offer young racing drivers around the world the opportunity to take the first step from karting into a professional career in motorsport. Designed to be a globally recognised yet affordable step from karting to F1, FIA Formula 4 allows drivers to compare themselves to the best young talent, not only in their own country, but across other championships around the world. The recipe is undoubtedly a successful one, as present championships boast impressive grids, and new regions are in the process of creating their own F4 setups. Proof of F4’s success - Lance Stroll the first FIA F4 Champion in 2014, joins the Williams F1 team driver line up in 2017. The FIA-approved F4 car is designed to keep costs down while providing an ideal learning tool for young drivers who are new to formula racing.


50

What is F4

Interview with Gerhard Berger TrackRecord interviews Gerhard Berger (Ex F1 driver) about Formula 4 and his involvement in the development of the global format. Can you explain the thinking of Formula 4? First of all it is important to define what F4 is. F4 should be the entry formula of all the young kids after karting when they go into motor racing in a single-seater category and it should be the first step to direct young kids to F1 – the idea is to have a pyramid to F1: F4, F3, F2, F1.

Is F4 really the perfect stepping stone? It is working well in Italy. It is a full house therealready. The next three years we have to establish it, and there will be room for 300 cars.

F4 should be the entry formula of all the young kids after karting when they go into motor racing in a single-seater category and it should be the first step to direct young kids to F1.

The FIA’s Gerhard Berger and President Jean Todt at a round of the European F3 series at Pau. F4 is designed for drivers out of karting. From F4, F3 is the next step

What about engine manufacturers? The concept is that in each country there is a single engine supplier. We have a clear frame of 150-160 HP . The engine has a certain weight and power curve configuration. It means worldwide that we are running the same car performance. It is not limited to one engine. Each country can see who supports them as engine manufacturer.

There are different type of engine and manufacturers involved. There is Abarth in Italy, Ford in the UK, TOM ’S in Japan, Geely, VW etc... There is no development competition and this keeps the costs down. It is not very expensive. With different engine/chassis suppliers there could be a competitive end-of season finale, like Macau or the Masters that exists for F3.

Are you confident that the costs will remain low? What will the FIA ’s involvement be once the various series are underway? The FIA is trying to put the concept and the regulations on the table and to coordinate it so that it is run with the right quality, with the right fairness, with the right scrutineering and the right development.


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

51

Formula 4 in Asia AAA is the licensed promoter of FIA F4 in the South East Asia region, licenced to host F4/SEA events in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, India, Thailand and Singapore. The 36-race Formula 4 South East Asia Championship - certified by the FIA, offers a very cost-effective training programme for young aspiring racing drivers. Run as a single operator championship, race engineering services are supplied by the multi-championship-winning MERITUS.GP team with European engineering and coaching support. Shared data and identical equipment ensures driver equality.

The lead FIA-affiliate for F4SEA - Automobile Association of Malaysia ( AAM ) With a strong motorsports heritage in Malaysia, as the National Sporting Authority (ASN) for all motorsports matters in the country, the AAM have successfully organised international events. These include the FIM Road Racing Grand Prix World Championships since 1991; FIM Superbike World Championship; FIM Endurance World Championship; FIM Asia Road Racing Championship; FIA Asia Pacific Rally as well as the FIA Formula 1™ World Championship, the latter since 1999. In the international motorsports arena, the Automobile Association of Malaysia is affiliated to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and the Commission Internationale de Karting-FIA (CIK-FIA) as their representative and controlling body in Malaysia.

Formula 4 points

F4SEA follows the standard F1 points scoring system, with the addition of 1 point for fastest lap and 3 points for pole.

Super license points

FIA ‘Super License’ points certificate will be awarded to the top 7 placed Drivers in the final classification of the Championship as follows:

1st

25 points

1st

12 points

2nd

18 points

2nd

10 points

3rd

15 points

3rd

07 points

4th

12 points

4th

05 points

5th

10 points

5th

03 points

6th

8 points

6th

02 points

7th

6 points

7th

01 points

8th

4 points

9th

2 points

10th

1 points


52

F4SEA 2016 Calendar

2016 F4SEA Calendar

05 15 11 0 Event 1

Event 2

Event 3

Sepang, Malaysia

Clark, Philippines

Sentul, Indonesia

Even Sepang,


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

53

In its inaugural season, the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship hosts 36 races at 6 Events in four Asian countries: Sepang (Malaysia), Clark (Philippines), Sentul (Indonesia) and Buriram (Thailand). In 2017 the Calendar will expand to include India and Taiwan. The FIA F4 licence franchise permits the SEA Championship to visit seven Asian countries each season.

09 06 20 22

nt 4 Malaysia

Event 5

Event 6

Buriram, Thailand

Sepang, Malaysia

MERITUS Award Gala


F4SEA 2016 event 3

2016

54


TrackRecord - F4SEA 2016 Event 2

55

11-13 November

Sentul Circuit

see you in Indonesia Event 3


Formula 4

South East Asia Championship

2017

#Is formula 1 your dream

s

t in

se

0 0 0

,

36

es c a

r

r o f

0 10

€

RM

l il

n io

1m

Po

n d e n c Li fu er ze i p u pr

A

FI

S 1 f

RD I B L

LY IA R C EAPE

S

S HT IG L F

D AN

Ls TE HO

ED UD L C IN

The first FIA step to F1in South East Asia - a one team championship with open data

Philippines September

Taiwan October

Indonesia November

India December

Thailand January

Malaysia February


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.