Hopes high for rising racing stars

Times have really changed in the Asian Formula Three Series — and fast.

That’s according to veteran driver Pepon Marave, the only Filipino so far to have won the AF3 crown since the series hit the international racing scene five years ago.

And barring any drastic changes in the race for this year’s driver’s championship, another local-born speedster could soon raise the Philippine flag anew in triumph.

"These young guys are really, really very good. I was really surprised. I thought I was already doing well. But these two guys, they’re just exceptionally fast," Marave said in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Pantalan restaurant in Manila, referring to young racing stars Tyson Sy and Dado Peña.

The two teenage stars are showing the way five rounds into this year’s race that returns to the Zhuhai International Circuit in Guangdong province, China, next week for rounds six to nine.

Sy, of Speedtech Asia, is on top of the heap in the battle for the driver’s championship with 87 points while Peña, lead driver of Team Goddard, is tied for third with newcomer Ali Jackson of Ireland’s Aran Racing with 52 points.

The three, along with lady driver Gabby dela Merced of Speedtech Asia, Team Goddard principal Mark Goddard of Britain and AF3 Corp. chairman Ed Peña, showed up in the public sports program sponsored by Pagcor and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Marave marveled at how Peña, who will turn 19 this Saturday, and Sy, 18, have become a force to reckon with in the series in so short a time, having joined the series just two years ago.

"I really have to bring my level of driving two, three notches higher just to keep up with these guys. So it’s a big, big challenge for me. They’ve raised the ante of driving and raised the level of racing in AF3," said the Shell Helix Kinetic PCSO lead driver who is currently running ninth overall.

Marave also has high regards for Dela Merced, 23, who’s running in the circuit for the very first time.

"I think this girl has a lot of talent inside her that’s just dying to come out. All she needs is some support and some more track time," said Marave of Dela Merced, one of only two female drivers seeing action in the race this year, the other being Michele Bumgarner of Team Goddard.

"And I won’t be surprised if in the next two years we see Michele or Gabby winning races. That’s not a far-fetched idea because they’ve already proven they are also quick," said Marave.

The older Pena, meanwhile, said whoever comes out ahead in next week’s races "will have a strategic game to play for the remaining nine races.

"It’s important to note that after Zhuhai, we have already completed half of the season, or nine races out of 18," he said, stressing that as the chief organizer of the series, he can ask nothing more, noting "the season already has had its share of controversies and tough competition."

Despite figuring in a major crash in last month’s Round Five in Zhuhai, Sy increased his lead to 31 points over second-running Dillon Battistini of JA Motorsport, who has 56 points.

The younger Pena said the July 15-16 races could make or break all the drivers’ bid to win this year’s championship.

"This is going to be one of the most crucial weekends with four races and with so much points at stake," he said.

"It’s gonna be very important. It will be a step higher and everyone has to really go for it. You just have to be at your best. We’re gonna push hard and it’s going to be a good fight," the young Pena added.