Malaysian Rally Championship resumes in Kangar this weekend
The Malaysian Rally Championship 2011 season continues with its second round this weekend at Kangar, with defending champion Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya set to lead the pack at flag-off. Although lying second overall, the enforced absence previous round’s winner Fan Fan has elevated Rafiq to the leading role for this weekend’s race.
Chinese driver Fan Fan and his partner Fang Junwei lead the championship with 13 points, but problems with his visa has prevented his entry into the country. Fan’s misfortune has now paved the way for Rafiq and co-driver Sean Gregory , who are now on 11 points, to take the championship lead in their Subaru Impreza.
Starting at third is a Japanese pair driving a Malaysian-made car – Aji Kim and Noriko Takeshita in a Proton Satria Neo followed by Mohd Shazly Ilias in fourth and Kenneth Koh in fifth place.
Also in the mix are Karamjit Singh, Katsu Taguchi and Cody Crocker, all languishing far behind and needing results to stay in the championship hunt. Karamjit and co-driver Vivek Ponnusamy of Pennzoil GSR Team had a weekend to forget in the previous round, and they’ll need massive improvements in their fortunes this time round in their Mitsubishi Evo.
Evaluating his chances this weekend, Rafiq said, “I know if I stick to my original plan, that is to prepare my car well and drive to the best of my ability, things will work out fine for me. I admit that I am not superior to people like Karamjit and Taguchi but in rally a little luck and the reliability of the car matters a lot.”
Eleven-time champion Karamjit sees a grimmer picture, says that “The reality is that I need a podium finish in Kangar to stay alive in the chase for the overall championship title. With two more rounds left after Kangar, I need the points now.”
“But I am a fighter. I don’t intend to finish last for sure and I don’t intend to finish second either,” added Karamjit.
Pictures: Official Wheel Sport Management Sdn Bhd release.
