Formula Masters China Series Concludes at Penbay International Circuit

Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG driver Martin Rump (19) made sure nothing was left to chance in today’s Race 7 of the Formula Masters China Series (FMCS) at the Penbay International Circuit.

The series leader coming into Round Three – the first FMCS round ever to be held in Chinese Taipei – Rump secured pole position during the morning’s first qualifying session, he flew off the grid once Race 7 was under way, and then the Estonian never really gave series rival Jake Parson (20) of Meritus.GP a look in after the Australian had started second on the grid.

It was once again an assured and confident display of racecraft in Asia’s leading single-seater series from Rump, whose win stretched his lead in the FMCS Drivers Classification to seven points over Parsons heading into Races 8 and 9 Sunday. Third place today went to Australian Nicholas Rowe (17) of Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG.

The start was put back 15 minutes after a brief downpour but the track quickly dried, the signal was given and Rump got on with business. A restart was called after two cars stalled on the grid but it proved no distraction to Rump, or to Parsons as they set down to add another chapter to their battle for supremacy this season. Parsons came close on occasion over the eventual 12 laps raced but Rump just never gave his rival a clear opening.

Both drivers later expressed their admiration for the challenging twists and turns offered up by the Penbay International Circuit and said they looked forward to renewing acquaintances on Sunday.

Rowe, meanwhile, settled himself into a mission to secure third place, picking up vital points for his team in the FMCS Team Classification along the way. Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG have now closed the gap behind pacesetters Meritus.GP to seven points going into Sunday.

Eurasia Motorsport’s Aidan Read (16) finished fourth today ahead of the ever-improving Jeffrey Ye (17) of Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG. The Chinese driver is part of the Star Racing Academy and is benefiting greatly by the training he is receiving.

It was Ye’s best finish in his debut FMCS season and the way he first pressured Read and, later, withstood a challenge from Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG teammate and fellow SRA driver Sean Zheng Shangguan (17) showed he’ll be one to watch on Sunday.

The fifth-placing today also moved Ye into second place in the Chinese Drivers Classification on 77 points behind Meritus.GP’s Yuan Bo (92 points).

FMCS action resumes Sunday morning at the Penbay International Circuit with the 8-lap Race 8, followed by Race 9 scheduled for 12 laps in the afternoon.

 Results – Race 7 

 Fastest Lap: Martin Rump/ Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG/ 1:37.399/130.4

 Formula Masters China Series Points Classification after Race 7:

2015 Drivers Classification (Top 5)

2015 Best Chinese Driver Trophy

2015 Team Classification