Malaysia’s best racing driver for 2017, Afiq Ikhwan Yazid has pledged a 101 percent effort at the final round of the Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS) in Sepang this weekend as he leads the all-Malaysian drivers’ team for a repeat of their recent glorious victory in Buriram, Thailand.
With acknowledging that it will be a much tougher assignment in Sepang, Afiq, who is partnering Jazeman Jaafar and Weiron Tan for Jackie Chan DC Racing X JOTA team in the LMP2 class, said that they are all excited to be competing for their home race.
“Since returning from Buriram, I have been working on building my fitness further. Sepang is a very tough track and the unpredictable weather will be making it even more challenging. It is the final round and teams competing for the overall championship will be pushing all out.
“But, we are ready for the challenge and we are thrilled to be racing here in Sepang in front of our home fans this weekend and we will be giving our 101 percent effort this weekend. The race will be held in our home track and we sincerely hope to see our Malaysian fans come this weekend to cheer us on.
“We will keep pushing and keep our Malaysian flag high,” said Afiq, who was named as Shell International Driver of the Year at the Shell SIC Malaysia Motorsports Association Awards on January 27.
Like Afiq, team-mates Weiron and Jazeman are equally excited to be in action this weekend.
“This is it! Our homecoming. We’ve been looking forward to this weekend since our recent success in Buriram, and we’re hungry for another win! Not only are we excited about the upcoming race, we are also looking forward to meet all our home fans and supporters from Malaysia! Thank you again Sepang for the amazing support, we’re ready to fight for yet another a good result, this time on home soil,” Weiron said.
Jazeman, who has been wooing fans in his Facebook page to come for the race this weekend, is confident of a strong showing and ready to make the Malaysian fans proud.
“We have proven to be one of the strongest in the field. We will continue to work hard for a strong result at home,” said Jazeman.
Apart from the dynamic trio, Malaysia will have three other drivers for the Asian Le Mans race this weekend – Dominic Ang and Douglas Khoo for Viper NIZA Racing, Formula 2 driver Nabil Jeffri with Team Eurasia Motorsports, and Mitch Gilbert.
“This will be my first time driving a LMP2 car. I try to learn and gain as much experience as possible because I always aim to win,” said Nabil, who will have former F1 test driver, Marco Asmer as his partner.
Unlike the six drivers, Gilbert will be competing in the GT3 class partnering Italian Max Wiser and China’s David Chen for TSRT Racing and driving an Audi R8 GT3.
“I’m thrilled to be racing this weekend with TSRT Racing, especially at Sepang! I haven’t driven for a few months now, so I’m desperate to get behind the wheel again of an R8! TSRT are trying to win their Le Mans ticket, so I hope I can help them do that by winning the race!” he said,
Apart from the LMP2 and GT3 class, the Asian Le Mans race will also feature the LMP3 category and the GT Cup.
Apart from the four-hour endurance race of Asian Le Mans Series and the Formula 4 SEA, this weekend’s event will also feature actions from the Caterham Championship.
Off-track events are also being organised at the Mall Area at the Main Grandstand featuring various activities including car carnivals. The first E-Sports Endurance race emulating the actual ALMS race will also be held throughout the weekend with cash prizes to be won.
Tickets are priced at RM11 And they can be purchased at the circuit or via on-line at www.sepangcircuit.com or by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 03-87782222.
RACE PROGRAMME
SATURDAY, 3th FEBRUARY
8:00 – 8:30 SEA F4 Free Practice
8:40 – 10:10 Asian LMS – Free Practice 1
10:20 – 10:50 SEA F4 – Qualifying
11:00 – 11:10 Caterham – Free practice
11:10 – 11:30 Caterham – Qualifying
SUNDAY 4th FEBRUARY
8:15 – 8:45: SEA F4 – Race 4
9:10 – 9:40: Caterham – Race 2
9:50 – 10:30: Asian LMS – VVIP Hot laps
10:00 – 10:30: Asian LMS – Pit walk / Autograph session
10:50 – 11:20: SEA F4 – Race 5
11:40 – 12:10: Caterham – Race 3
13:00 – 17:00: Asian LMS – Race (4 hour endurance)
17:50 – 18:20: SEA F4 Race 6
