(07.07.2003, asianf3.net)

AF3 Point Battle Tightens

The Asian Formula 3 Series, sponsored by Yokohama, DENSO and Regional Container Lines, features the best F3 drivers in the region. After 4 rounds of racing, the championship standings are shaping up to be a close fight between the contenders.

In the International class, Pepon Marave (Shell Casino Filipino FILA Team Tom's) is tied for first with Mark Goddard (Castrol Ambi Pur Car Team Goddard), the reigning 2002 AF3 Series champ. In the first 4 races, Marave has won both morning races, while Goddard takes the win in the afternoon sessions. Both drivers have 1 DNF (did not finish) each, which leaves them with 55 points a peice!

Leading the Promotion class is Mike Potenciano (Shell Casino Filipino FILA Team Tom's), with 60 points. Sitting in second place is the former 2001 AF3 Series champ, Jojo Silverio (Castrol Ambi Pur Car Team Goddard), with 50 points. Silverio, with a DNF in the 1st race held in Subic, due to a mild collision with Pepon Marave which caused a puctured rear tire, had been driving extremely fast in the all the races. During practice and qualifying sessions, Jojo has kept himself in the front row.

The Petron sponsored rookie, Roland Hermoso (Speedtech Asia), sits in third place with 37 points. Just one point shy of his team mate, JP Tuason (Speedtech Asia) is a close fourth place. The two Speedtech Asia drivers have finished well in the races, and have 3 podium finishes in all but 1 round each.

The youngest AF3 driver, Enzo Pastor drove a stunning qualifying lap at the Addict Mobile Formula 3 Grand Prix, held at the Batangas Racing Circuit, this past June 21st and 22nd. Pastor came in to the pits after setting a blistering lap of 1:25.813 and waited for anyone to best it. 5 laps later, Silverio took the top spot and Enzo was unable to respond.

The races were a different story all together. Enzo took one 1st and a 2nd place finish to gain 35 points in the championship. This not only made up for his DNF's in the first 2 rounds (due to engine failure), but puts him within striking distance of the points leaders.

The next rounds of competition of the Asian Formula 3 Series will be held on July 19 and 20 in Thailand, at the Bira International Circuit.