(26.10.2003, asianf3.net)

AF3 Rounds 9 & 10: Race Report Goldenport Circuit, China

Round 9

Shell Casino Filipino Team Tom's driver Pepon Marave took a convincing
win in the International Class for Round 9 of the Asian Formula 3
Challenge at China's Goldenport Circuit today.

"I'm really pleased," he said. "It was a very, very easy and smooth
race, although the cold climate has been the biggest adjustment. The
track is physically very demanding. Mid-way through the race I felt my
stamina going down. But then I saw Richard and had to push again."

Richard Joson came in second in the class for the Denso Hanjin FJ3 team,
having made a lightning getaway off the grid. "I had a very good
start," he said. "I was alongside Pepon and then couldn't find the
gears and lost momentum. By the time I found all the gears again, I
decided just to hold on."

Joson was disappointed not to be battling with Mark Goddard, who was
unable to start after his engine seized during qualifying. "I was
looking forward to racing with him," he said. "It's a personal
challenge to fight with him, but he lost his engine."

Jojo Silverio took the honours in the Promotional Class for Castrol Team
Goddard, and was delighted with his win. "The track is quite technical,
but all weekend I've been top of my class," he said. Today, I had a
good start and kept ahead of Richard (Joson), and concentrated on
closing in on Pepon. I could close the gap on the infield, but he had
the advantage on the straights. Then, towards the end I began to lose
the brakes and the tyres, which gave him the gap."

Enzo Pastor had a disastrous race when he broke a driveshaft on the warm
up lap. "I think the championship is done this weekend," said Silverio.

Hideaki Machida of Japan took a superb second place for the Denso Hanjin
JF3 Team in his first ever outing in a Formula 3 car. "I just
concentrated on finishing and not making any mistakes!" he said.

Roland Hermoso was third in the Promotional Class for Speedtech Asia, an
excellent result following his shunt during qualifying. "I'm very happy
with the job the mechanics have done. They really did their best and
have built me a great car. I had some slight ignition problems during
the race, but was just trying to finish. I'm still trying to recover
from my big shunt yesterday. I feel like I came to China and went into
the Great Wall!"

Round 9 Results

Class:
I – International
P – Promotion

Round 10

Richard Joson of Denso Hanjin JF3 was first in the International Class
for round 10 of the series, ahead of Pepon Marave of the Shell Casino
Filipino Team Tom's.

"It wasn't an easy win," said Joson. "I lost my first gear in the
earlier race and tried to get it back. So, during the warm up lap, I
was in second gear only and had to start from the back of the grid. It
was difficult to run in second gear. I tried to chase Pepon and when he
made a mistake at the hairpin, I took advantage and went for it."

Marave meanwhile, was happy nonetheless having clinched the 2003
International Class Championship. "I'm happy for my team and my
sponsors, and happy to be Champion. To be crowned Champion is very
special to me and I will cherish it always."

However, Marave won't be resting on his victors' laurels for the rest of
the season. "Batangas is a very special track," he said of the location
of the next round. "And I will try my best to win, especially as it is
my home track."

Jojo Silverio won the Promotional Class and was first across the finish
line overall. "It was a very good race, but I had to watch out for
Pepon throughout," he said. "I was pushing hard because Enzo was behind
me. In the last three laps my tyres were overheating, but I managed to
keep the car under control." Batangas is also Silverio's home track,
and a win is also important to him, promising a close-fought race.

Enzo Pastor finished second in the class, having failed to start the
previous round because of a broken driveshaft. "I was able to catch up
with Jojo off the start, but because I was running after points, I
didn't risk pushing too hard."

Roland Hermoso finished third in the class. "I tried to overtake Enzo a
few times, but couldn't get by as he was holding fast to the lead. It
was luck to finish third," he said.

Round 10 Results

Class:
I – International
P – Promotion