Sy, Peña submit fastest times in practice

ROSARIO, Batangas – Tyson Sy and Dado Peña recorded the fastest times in practice Thursday as they revved up for the opening three rounds of this year’s Asian Formula Three series this weekend at the Batangas Racing Circuit here.

Sy clocked the best lap time of one minute, 27.8 seconds at the 3.4-kilometer circuit, a shade ahead of Pena who had a best time of 1:28.0.

Although the two did not push themselves to the limit in anticipation of the time practice runs Friday, it was clear they were out to make a statement.

"The times were good. Although sayang, hindi na nakalabas nu’ng hapon kasi medyo madilim," said Sy, lead driver of Speedtech Asia.

Sy refused to accept the favorite’s tag, saying that while he wants to win, he knows the field is tough.

Peña, who finished sixth overall last year, two rungs behind Sy, said: "We think we are in a really good position this year. But we have to win races to win the championship. So this weekend we need to win, and then the next races. Then we’ll see where we sit in the championship standings."

Newcomer Ali Jackson of Ireland posted the third fastest time, clocking 1:28.3 while James Winslow of England was just a heartbeat slower with a time of 1:28.4.

Another newcomer, Briton Dillon Battistini, and last year’s promotions class winner, Moreno Soeprapto of Indonesia, posted similar times of 1:28.6.

John O’Hara of Ireland, bidding to finally win after two runner-up finishes, got on the track despite being under the weather and clocked 1:29.6 before calling it quits.

Pepon Marave, the third Filipino competing in the open class, clocked 1:29.8 and then figured in a minor crash, forcing him to stop.

Lady drivers Michelle Bumgarner and Gaby dela Merced, competing in the promotions class, clocked 1:32.2 and 1:33.3, respectively, going faster than Indon Satria Bagoes and fellow Filipino JP Tuason who timed 1:33.4 and 1:34.3.

The initial round of this year’s series backed by PLDT myDSL, PLDT MyPAD, Yokohama Tires, Lima City Hotel, Denso Spark Plugs, Big Shot Billiards, Suzuki, Oxy Enhanced Water, Ford, Tuason Racing School and Mossimo will be held on Saturday, with the next two rounds set on Sunday.