Preview: Formula BMW Pacific Rounds 3 – 6

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Four thrilling races are on the cards at the next round of Formula BMW Pacific on May 30 – 31, as the series returns to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit.

After the 2009 season roared to life there last month at the 2009 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, the region’s most talented young drivers can look forward to a marathon weekend on track.

Leading the charge in both the Drivers Classification and the Rookie Cup is Ireland’s Gary Thompson (16/E-Rain Racing), who came away from the opening rounds with a pole position, one win and another podium finish.

Thompson’s early success will have buoyed his confidence as he heads into the next round at the 5.542km Malaysian track, where he will be looking to increase his points advantage.

Also making impressive start to the season is Formula BMW Junior Chris Wootton (AUS/20/Eurasia Motorsport), runner-up in the 2008 Rookie Cup and currently second in the points. With a full season’s experience under his belt, Wootton already has with two second-place finishes to his name.

Having already made a strong impact in his first full season, Indonesian Rio Haryanto’s (16/Questnet Team Qi-Meritus) win and podium finish in the first two races put him third on the leaderboard, just half a point behind Wootton.

Fourth overall and second in the Rookie Cup is Malaysian Calvin Wong (17/Team Holzer PFX) who will be racing for the second time on his "home" circuit.

Formula BMW Junior Axcil Jefferies (15/ZIM/Eurasia Motorsport) got his season off to a sensational start, finishing just shy of a podium finish in the first race. Jefferies’ fourth-place finish in Round 1 gave a glimpse of greater achievements to come. While he charged ahead in Round 2, briefly leading the field, his race was prematurely cut short after a coming together with another car.

Fellow Junior Steel Guiliana (AUS/17/Motaworld Racing) faced a steep learning curve on his debut, having arrived at the opening round with virtually no time in the car. Despite this, the Australian came away with a point, and much more can be expected from this dedicated youngster as he familiarizes himself with the FBO2.

Credits: JRC