Women break the mold in Asian F3 (Xinhua) Updated: 2006-09-08 13:33 In the male dominated world
of motor racing, the presence of three female drivers in the single- seater car
promotion class in the upcoming Asian Formula 3 event in Indonesia should add
new color and help boost the popularity of the sport, the Jakarta Post daily
reported on Friday.
Alexandra Asmasoebrata will race under the banner of Team R and W during the
September 19-23 competition at the Sentul International Circuit, south of
Jakarta. She will face a tough challenge from Gaby Dela Merced and Michelle
Bumgarner, both of the Philippines, along with the male drivers.
Unlike most races in the Asian Formula 3, which take place over a weekend,
the event at Sentul is a combined series originally slated for August and
September.
To date, six teams have confirmed their participation in the race. These are
R and W Joson F3 Team Indonesia, Speedtech Asia, Team Goddard, Fujitsu Racing
with Threebond JA Motorsports, Aran Racing and Shell Helix Kinetic F3 PCSO.
They will field a total of between 14 and 16 racers.
Indonesian brothers Bagoes and Satrio Hermanto will compete in the
international category and promotion category, respectively. Moreno Soeprapto,
the younger brother of Ananda Mikola, will be running in the international
category.
Ananda, who won the last leg of the Formula V6 Asia driving for Renault at
Sentul in mid-July, and another hopeful, Zahir Ali, have yet to confirm their
participation in the event.
Asian Formula 3 president director Mekky A Singgih said in a press statement
that the event, titled Asian Formula 3 and Motorsports Festival, would also
feature races in GT Touring, Super Touring, Suzuki Swift one-make race and
Superbike.
In addition, there will be a Ferrari and Porsche sports car track day
featuring Ferrari and Porsche clubs.
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