Ikhwan takes JK Racing Asia Series night time pole in Singapore

Afiq Ikhwan takes pole for Round 11 of the JK Racing Asia Series (formerly known as Formula BMW) this weekend during the 2011 Formula One SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. The Series is visiting Marina Bay, Singapore for the fourth time and this weekend will see Rounds 11 & 12 take place. The 2:21.715 set by Ikhwan also broke the 2008 Qualifying lap record of 2:21.843 set by Doru Sechelariu of Mahara. “I am happy and for the team too for securing the pole position. We became stronger after the Sepang races and we did Sentul and are stronger now. “We have a really good car. I am looking forward to the races this weekend” said Ikhwan after the session.
Despite setting the second fastest time of the day, Nabil Jeffri was not happy with the result of the session. “I didn’t maximise my qualifying because I went out with someone else in front of me and I only got the fastest time lap on my last lap of the session. It was not supposed to be and I’m quite disappointed with myself” said the Petronas Mofaz Racing driver.
Lining up third will be Jeffri’s teammate, Irfan Ilyas who was happy with the outcome of the session. “Qualifying went great for me because I ended up third on the grid. I like the track and its really amazing seeing the spectators watching from behind the wall. It motivates me to go faster and faster”.
The session was marred by two red flags, the first was after an incident between Eurointernational’s Lucas Auer and Meritus.GP’s Akash Nandy that caused damage to Auer’s front and Nandy’s rear wings.
“Instead of coming in immediately into the pit, he continued and the front wing went under him and he couldn’t turn into the chicane so he went into the wall. It’s a little mistake made by a young driver but we have to regroup and look forward to the next two races” said Eurointernational’s Team Principal, Antonio Ferrari of Auer’s incident.
The team is still in high spirits and are confident of retaining their lead in the Championship. “Two race to go, we have a fast car and a fast driver. I would like to be more in front but you get what you get” ended Ferrari.
The JK Racing Asia Series Round 11 will be held at 4.30pm local time on Saturday, 24th September 2011 while Round 12 will be held on Sunday, 25th September 2011 at 4.00pm.