With preparations well underway for the third installment Formula 4 South East Asia Championship – certified by FIA this weekend, the young drivers were on track in the pre-event collective tests on Thursday. The day saw the drivers take to the Sentul International Circuit in a full day’s test session with their racecars for the first time.
The collective test was designed to help the young drivers acclimatise and get more accustomed to the unique features of the 4.12km-long clockwise circuit. Featuring 12 corners that feature an interesting mix of fast and flowing corners, the drivers were put through the paces throughout the day.
Amongst those taking part in the collective test session were local hopefuls Presley Martono (INA, Car #32) and Keanon Santoso (INA, Car #88), together with the overall champion of Event 2, Akash Gowda (IND, Car #33) and fellow compatriot Mohamed Nalwalla (IND, Car #46).
Selected Driver Comments
Presley Martono (INA, Car #32)
“Today’s collective test was especially important as we needed the track time to get acquainted and familiarise ourselves with the circuit. Overall, the session today was quite good as nothing beats the feeling of actually driving on the circuit compared to the time spent on the simulator. I have a good feeling for the car and am really enjoying the circuit’s fast and flowing nature. I now need to fine-tune certain areas to continue to improve for the weekend.”
Keanon Santoso (INA, Car #88)
“Today’s session was all about finding my rhythm in the car and getting to grips with the circuit and finding out where I can improve on my lap times. As I have said, this circuit is quite tricky, but one that I really like a lot. In general, I am quite happy with the improvements I made throughout the day but also know the areas I need to focus and work on to prepare for the weekend. “
Mohamed Nalwalla (IND, Car #46)
“I really enjoyed driving on the track today. It is a nice track, a bit bumpy but I really like the sequence of corners. From the morning to the end, I was able to learn to use my brakes in the extremely hot conditions here and made improvements to my braking technique. I am really happy with today but as usual, tomorrow is another day!”
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Akash Gowda (IND, Car #33)
“This is my first time at the Sentul International Circuit and it has proven to be quite an experience for me. I have looked at videos online, but nothing beats the experience of testing the car out on the circuit. The sessions were actually quite good, as I like the characteristics of the track, with its fast and flowing corners. Turns 4 and 5 are the ones that really stand out for me, as there is a technique you need to master to get in and exiting the corner. Even though it is a little bumpy in parts, that just adds to the excitement.”
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Firhat Mokhzani, Managing Director, Triple A: “As is usual with new circuits, the young drivers are always faced with the prospect of having to face new learning challenges. The Sentul circuit is unique with high average speeds with a mix of low and high-speed chicanes. The nature of this track is that it should see some fast lap times, which should make for great racing this weekend.”
With another Star Driver award trophy for the highest points-scoring driver from the weekend on the cards, the young drivers will again be vying to out-score their compatriots over the course of the six scheduled races that will be contested over the weekend.
The third event’s proceedings will commence on Friday with practice and qualifying followed by the first of six scheduled races. Saturday will see three races contested with the balance two scheduled for Sunday.
The FIA single-operated F4/SEA championship – certified by FIA is one of 12 worldwide championships in the FIA’s F4 global format. F4/SEA is uniquely designed to help harness and develop Asia’s young motorsports talent through a cost-effective programme.
The F4/SEA is the first step on the FIA’s streamlined ladder to developing professional careers in the sport.
