Japanese ace Yamada, Brown sizzle in Giti-Formula VI Challenge 2019

CLEANFUEL’S Japanese ace Ryo Yamada bucked the strong challenge of rivals Estefano Rivera and Stefan Ramirez to take first place in Races 1 and 2 of the centerpiece Pro Class in Round 1 of the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge 2019 at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Rivera of the Toyota Otis Obengers, however, didn’t go home without a first place finish as he ruled the accident-marred Race 3, followed by Raymond Ronquillo of Frontrow Racing and Growl-Thule’s

Jussi Hoikka. Yamada salvaged fourth spot.

A veteran of Japan’s Vita series but a first-timer at the BRC, Yamada showed excellent driving skills to conquer the challenging course.

“Machines are very good and the drivers are very competitive,’’ said Yamada, who described the circuit as very narrow and bumpy.

Rivera took second spot in Race 1, while Ramirez of Ensport/Fourth Floor Racing finished third. Ramirez, however, gained a measure of revenge when he relegated Rivera to second spot in Race 2 in the country’s first homegrown Formula series.

Phoenix Pulse together with Tuason Racing presented the initial round of the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge which also saw the debut performances of new drivers and teams.

Young Alex Brown of Toyota Balintawak Obengers shared the spotlight as he scored three first-place finishes in the AM Class. The 16-year-old Brown, a champion karter, claimed pole position and kept the lead until the checkered flag in Races 1, 2 and 3.

 

Shane Henderson of A. Line Autosports and Red Diwa of OTR Racing Team finished second and third, respectively in Race 1. Diwa, however, finished second to Brown in Races 2 and 3.

“I’ve never even driven a manual car before the V1. But I’ve had eight days of testing to prepare for today–though Batangas is a very interesting track with the camber on the corners and how uneven it is compared to Clark,” said Brown.

The series is supported by Giti Tires Philippines, West Race Cars Japan, OMP, AEG Powertools, Phoenix Accelerate, Oakley, Rota with Media Partners Philippine Daily Inquirer, Autocar, Wheels PH, Jamesdeakin.ph, C! Mag, AutoIndustriya and ESPN5.

Round 2 of the series will be held on July 20-21 at the Clark International Speedway.

Tuason Racing CEO and founder JP Tuason believes that despite the dominace of Yamada and Brown, the series remains wide-open.

“Someone who is fast at BRC may not be the same at Clark, so it’s still early doors and it’s going to be a very interesting

season,’’ Tuason said.