HAIRUMAN EXTENDS LEAD WITH 2nd WIN IN JAPAN

1 November 2007

Fariqe Hairuman took charge at the Autopolis International Racing Circuit with his third double win of the Asian Touring Car Series season.

Hairuman (right) widened the gap to10-points from second placed Masaki Kano. “It was a great race this weekend and I really enjoyed it. Winning two races in Japan is a good feeling. I have to thank the guys on the Petronas Syntium Team for the great job that they have done this weekend they are a great team”.

The Malaysian took on three cars at the start after starting in sixth on the reverse grid order and immediately began charging up to the rear of second placed Jerenimo Badaraco at the first turn.

As they reached turn two, Hairuman dived on the inside to overtake the Macau driver (left) before piling on the pressure on Cheung Chi Sing and overtaking him at turn four.

“It wasn’t an easy race but it was a fair race with all the drivers. Everyone did a great job on the track today. I am definitely looking forward to the next race in Zhuhai where I hope I can repeat the great results we got here” he added.

For the Engstler Motorsport driver, driving at a race in his home country was exciting, “Its great to race here in Japan and I am really happy to be on the podium twice”.

A light drizzle four laps from the end was a cause for concern as some of the drivers began to slide on the slippery circuit.

“Towards the end of the race, the track got a little bit more slippery with the rain but I managed to hold on to my second place” said Kano (above) before adding with a grin, “Going into Zhuhai will be interesting and no matter what, I am still going to fight, fight, fight!”.

For Cheung, driving on this circuit is very exciting and he has raced here before in 2005 with the Asian Touring Car Series. “I really enjoy racing here and it was a great race. I’m happy that I got a good start but towards the end of the race, it got a little bit difficult with the slight drizzle that came down, making the road slippery”.

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