Young Racer Gets on Podium in Second Outing
YOUNG RACER SCORES PODIUM FOR TAN CHONG MOTOR IN F1 SUPPORT RACE =
Shah Alam, Malaysia – Monday March 21st. 2005 … Seventeen year-old
driver James Russell, in only his second single-seater race, upstaged
several experienced racers to take a podium spot in yesterday’s
“Silverstone Formula Malaysia” F1 Support Race at the Sepang F1
Circuit. James’ entry was made possible by support from Tan Chong
Motor Sdn. Bhd., plus backing for the race from Silverstone Tires.
James’ excellent performance was encouraging given the strength of
the international field, and the fact he was able to participate in
only one brief practice session. But, during Saturday’s practice and
qualifying sessions, his times improved steadily by one second a lap,
and he was able to qualify in fifth at the end of the day. From his
position on the third row of the grid, James unfortunately moved a
fraction of a second too soon as the five red lights went out, and he
was assessed a ten second penalty. But, by obeying frantic signs from
the pit wall to increase his pace, he was able to open up a seventeen
second gap over fourth place finisher Raja Razman.
The top step of the podium, at the end of the ten laps of Sepang’s
awesome 5.44km circuit, was occupied by Australian Charlie Charles,
with Finland’s Mikko Nassi taking second. James was more than happy
to take away the trophy for third place, along with a set of
Silverstone tires, plus a magnum of champagne which he is
unfortunately too young to drink!
At the end of the race, his manager and father Paul Russell commented
“We’re really grateful to Tan Chong Motor for the financial
assistance they have provided. Hopefully more Malaysian companies
will take note of this, and step in to support young drivers. Gaining
a podium placing, we hope, will be a good reward for Tan Chong’s
support” he concluded.
James, who has already experienced many types of motorsport, winning
trophies in karting and rally co-driving, will return to the wheel of
his SR Motorsport Subaru Impreza in less than two weeks’ time.
Competing as a driver in the Malaysian Rally Championship, he will
need to switch his style from the smooth flowing discipline of a race
car driver, to the rather rougher challenges of Malaysia’s gravel
plantation roads. A solid performance should see him move up from his
current third in class placing, hopefully challenging for a class win
by the end of the year. In the Rally Championship James is co-driven
by experienced Englishman Tim Sturla, who is very impressed by James’
potential.
Having a chance to compete in a race as prestigious as the
Silverstone Formula Malaysia support race has helped provide James
with valuable all-round experience, and will enable him to excel in
either a race or rally discipline as his career develops.
