Asian Motor Sports

A1 Team Malaysia endured a tough day’s racing in Durban South Africa and were unable to capitalise on the competitive running that the team had enjoyed in practice and qualifying, with retirements from both races for driver Alex Yoong at the A1 Grand Prix of Nations in South Africa today.

A1 Team Malaysia lined up tenth for the Sprint race after yesterday’s ‘four flying laps’ style of qualifying session. The start was delayed for race officials to improve the catch fencing safety, but when it finally got underway, Team Malaysia’s race was short-lived.

On the opening lap Yoong was forced to brake hard behind Team Brasil, making contact with the rear of his car. The accident resulted in the Malaysian car losing its front wing and damaging the nose cone, which left Yoong with no option but to retire immediately from the race.

In the feature race Yoong was at the back of the grid for the start due to his earlier race retirement. After an early pit stop for the mandatory tyre change, Yoong rejoined the race and quickly made his way towards the front of the field, running comfortably within the top ten and at half distance lying seventh. On lap 26 of the 40 lap race, with Yoong racing hard and under pressure from New Zealand, he braked late at the end of the back straight, sending him into a spin and out of the race.

Yoong said after the two races,

“A disappointing weekend for us, particularly with our retirements today. In the Sprint race it was just one of those racing incidents. In the Feature race I reckon I could have finished in fourth place. The guys in my crew have worked so hard this weekend I would have liked to have rewarded them with a good finish, but it just wasn’t my day.