A commanding performance by Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG in Formula Masters China Series’ dramatic opening event resulted in a victory and a podium finish at Sepang International Circuit over the weekend. Amidst varying circuit conditions, Martin Rump, Nick Rowe and Star Racing Academy duo Zheng Shang Guan and Jeffrey Ye each delivered commendable drives on Malaysia’s demanding Formula 1 track throughout the three-race affair.
The Hong Kong-based squad’s first assault on the top Asian entry-level formula series was highlighted by Rump’s sensational drive, which saw the 19-year-old Estonian driver deliver a pole to flag finish in the inaugural 9-lap challenge held in torrential conditions. In Race 2, Rump fought hard to regain the lead from Jake Parsons, but had to settle for a podium finish after crossing the finish line in second place. An unfortunate circumstance marred Rump’s race on Sunday afternoon, when a collision with Eurasia’s Asuka Muratomi on the opening lap left his car damaged. Following his eventful outing in Malaysia, Rump sits second in the overall driver standings with 32 points.
Australian newcomer Nick Rowe’s maiden Formula Masters outing concluded with promising results after rounding off all three races in the points. From a ninth place start, Rowe weaved his way towards the front of the field and managed to finish Race 1 in fifth place. Sunday’s races, which comprised of 6-lap and 10-lap runs, witnessed the 16-year-old driver take his Volkswagen-powered Tatuus FA010 across the line to finish in eighth and sixth positions. Ranking seventh on the Formula Masters leaderboard, Rowe has a total of 15 points under his belt.
After months of intensive training under Star Racing Academy, Zheng Shangguan and Jeffrey Ye finally had the opportunity to put the skills they’ve acquired into use at Sepang’s trying track. In arduous conditions, Ye’s baptism of fire on the highly technical 5.543km circuit witnessed him wrap up the session in tenth place. Unfortunately, a technical glitch forced Zheng to retire early from the race. Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG’s Chinese drivers went on to display competitive pace during Sunday’s Race 2. Ye and Zheng wrapped off the session second and third fastest among their compatriots and finally concluded the race weekend with a thirteenth and fifteenth finish in Race 3.
Nicholas Rowe: “I had a great weekend at Sepang with the team and learned more than I could ever imagine. It was a real eye opener. We may not have achieved the results we were aiming for, but I’m sure that a bit more effort within myself, I will be able to bring podiums to the team in the next few rounds. I really enjoyed the environment and I can’t thank all the boys enough. I’m looking forward to Round 2 at Shanghai and what is ahead. Hopefully some good results and heaps of fun.”
Martin Rump: “We had a positive weekend altogether and made a strong statement winning the season opener. The results are encouraging and confirm that our cooperation within the team is right on. Onwards and upwards, we are confident going to the next round in China.”
Jeffrey Ye: “Overall, I am satisfied with my first FMCS outing after successfully completing all three races throughout the weekend. My thanks go out to the team and Star Racing Academy. I’m looking forward to the next event at my home track and hopefully deliver better results.”
Zheng Shangguan: “It was a tough weekend and there were several issues that hindered me from concluding the Sepang event with better results. Despite this, we’ll take the positives from this weekend to the next event at Shanghai.”
John O’Hara, KCMG Deputy Managing Director: “It was a positive weekend at Sepang over the weekend, a win
and a podium finish validates that we’ll be one of the strongest competitors in the series this season. We’ve scored points that puts us second on the overall team rankings and with the promising potential that our drivers possess, the team is confident that we’ll have another good season ahead.”
Formula Masters second event will be held at Shanghai International Circuit from June 5 – 7. To find out more about Formula Masters China Series and Star Racing Academy, visit www.formulamasterschina.com and www.sra-china.cn
For more information about KCMG, visit www.kcmg.com.hk. To keep track of latest updates, please like KCMG’s Facebook page or follow @KCMotorgroup on Twitter and Instagram.
Photos: Formula Masters China Series
