Malaysian Drivers Racing In GP2 And GP3

Malaysian Drivers Racing In GP2 And GP3

(L-R): Nabil Jeffri & Akash Neil Nandy

The 2016 Formula 1 Malaysia Grand Prix will see two up-and-coming Malaysian racers, Akash Neil Nandy and Nabil Jeffri take part in the supporting GP3 and GP2 respectively. Akash and Nabil will drive for their respective teams, Jenzer Motorsports and Arden International; their entry in these series will see them through a full season in 2016, including the Malaysia Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) on 2 October 2016.

Dato’ Razlan Razali, SIC Chief Executive Officer expressed his delight of having two Malaysian drivers in both the GP2 and GP3 series. “Having Malaysian drivers competing during the 2016 Formula 1 Malaysia Grand Prix in Sepang is undoubtedly something that the local fans have been yearning for. Both GP2 and GP3 are race development series for drivers aspiring to become a coveted F1 driver,” he said.

Nabil JeffriNabil Jeffri, 22, driving for British team Arden International, began his racing career at Rotax Max Challenge Malaysia back in 2008, where he came in 3rd. He continued racing in JK Racing Asia Series in 2012 and at ATS Formel 3 Cup in 2014, both of which he finished 2nd overall. In 2010, Nabil, was the youngest ever driver to test a Formula One car. At 16, Nabil conducted straight-line aerodynamic duties for the Malaysian-owned Lotus team at the Imperial War Museum runway at Duxford (UK).

Following a successful testing programme in Barcelona and Jerez last month, Arden International confirmed that Nabil Jeffri and Jimmy Eriksson have signed for the 2016 Season. Nabil moves from Germany and European F3 where he has spent the last few years honing his skills and experience around the European tracks. The Malaysian is also no stranger to the Sepang International Circuit, where GP2 Series will be racing later this year alongside Formula 1.

“This has been my lifelong dream and I am living it out in front of my fellow Malaysians – that is an adrenalin rush like no other. The Sepang Circuit is one many drivers find challenging, so I hope my experience on this track will help my performance, and I will do Malaysia proud. I hope Malaysians will come out to the circuit on race weekend and support both Akash and myself,” said Nabil.

Akash Neil NandyAt 19, Akash Neil Nandy is a rising Malaysian star in his own right. He was recently awarded the McMillan Woods Rising Star Award 2016, in the Chequered Flag of the Year category. He began his career in 2010, kart racing at the Rotax Max Challenge Malaysia, finishing a respectable 2nd place. But most notably, he finished third place overall in the Formula Masters China Series in 2013. The wins kept on coming, as he almost won the Formula 3 Remus Championship in Europe, winning 10 out of 12 races.

In 2013, Akash was one of the youngest drivers to make motorsport history after grabbing pole position, setting the fastest lap in and winning the Formula Masters Macau Grand Prix. Akash’s extraordinary talent won him an invitation to participate in the opening round of Asia Le Mans Series with KC Motorgroup in 2013. Being the youngest to participate in a Le Mans Series, he walked into the history books of the event and Le Mans overall. Having qualified to start the race from P2, Akash steamed the team into P1 closing his stint of the race, having set one of the fastest lap and maintained the position to become race winner. This
year, Akash did his team proud by becoming overall champion in GTM class on home ground.

He stands amongst the likes of former F1 world champions Artyon Senna and Michael Schumacher who were once overall championship winners. This year for GP3, Akash will be racing for Swiss-based team Jenzer Motorsports. Apart from his dedication and passion for racing, Akash is also a full-time law degree student and is currently completing his first year.

“I am honoured to be part of our national racing agenda and that my love for racing will be an
inspiration for all young Malaysians to strive tirelessly to achieve their dreams and goals. I am
always determined to give my very best everytime I am on the track and hope that I will make
Malaysia proud in the upcoming race,” quipped Akash.

“It is exciting times for motorsports in Malaysia, as the fruits of our labour are starting to
flourish,” said Minister of Youth & Sports, Yang Berhormat Encik Khairy Jamaluddin. “I am
calling out to private sector companies to come forward and look at viability of sponsoring our
local drivers,” he urged. “Motorsports in particular is an expensive endeavour but returns for
sponsors are exponential,” he said.

The 2016 Formula 1 Malaysia Grand Prix will be held from 30 September – 2 October at the Sepang International Circuit, supported by the GP2 and GP3 races.

Schedule and ticket information: Ticket Hotline (03-8778 2222) or www.sepangcircuit.com

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