Asian Motor Sports

Earl Bamber has walked away with the Formula BMW Asia title after a commanding triple victory at the final round of the season at Zhuhai International Circuit.

With three drivers, Bamber, Sam Abay and Daniel Ricciardo, all within a shout of claiming the title, it was Abay who looked the odds on favourite for the crown, going into the final round at the Chinese circuit with a commanding 16 point lead.

However, the young Australian driver struggled somewhat through the weekend, failing to finish on the podium once, with his two fourth places and a fifth not enough to keep the 16-year-old New Zealander behind him, Bamber going on to snatch the championship lead after the second race of the day and then coast home to a lights-to-flag win in the third and final encounter to wrap up both the drivers’ and the rookie titles.

Bamber signalled his intention in the opening race but only secured victory after a thrilling battle with Ricciardo, the Australian having led from pole position, only to lose the win in the final few metres of the race, when Bamber made a move stick on the final turn of the race.

Earning pole position for the second race, Bamber led away from the lights, once again winning from Ricciardo, a feat that would earn him the Rookie Cup and the lead of the overall championship.

Needing to just finish ahead of Abay in the third and final race, Bamber duly delivered, ending the season just how he started, with a triple victory. (Read the Rest)