Sentul AF3 showdown could be turning point

Unpredictable track conditions. Six races. Four drivers resuming their keen rivalry for overall honors.

Expect all these and more in what promises to be pivotal Rounds 10 to 15 of the Asian Formula Three Series on Sept. 19-23 at the demanding Sentul International Circuit in Bogor, Indonesia.

"It’s rainy season in Indonesia, making race conditions unpredictable. We also have six races that will demand a lot from our riders. And there are four drivers jockeying for the overall title. The Indonesia stop could be the turning point," AF3 chairman Ed Peña said in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Pantalan Restaurant in Manila.

Joining Pena in the session sponsored by Pagcor, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and Manila Sports Council chief Ali Atienza were drivers Tyson Sy, Pepon Marave, Michele Bumgarner and Gaby dela Merced. Peña’s son, Dado, is out of the country.

AF3 organizers were forced to postpone Rounds 10 to 12 of the series last month due to unforeseen circumstances. This means next week’s event will be hectic, with two races each on Sept. 21, 22, and 23.

Race enthusiasts can log on to www.asianf3.net for regular updates.

"On an average, the riders will be out on the track for around 12 hours. This will be an added challenge for them: To stay in top physical and mental shape for three straight days," Peña said.

Marave, the first AF3 champion and driving for Shell Helix Kinetic PCSO, echoed Pena’s sentiments, saying:

"This is the first time we will have six races in one weekend. This will be a real challenge for us drivers."

Marave added that whoever emerges on top in the Indonesia leg would gain the inside track for the overall title when the AF3 series winds up at the Batangas Racing Circuit on Nov. 4.

"But just who will that be among Ali Jackson, James Winslow, Tyson Sy and Dillon Battistini is anybody’s guess," he said.

Carrying the colors of Aran Racing, Ireland’s Jackson is showing the way with 127 points after nine races,followed by Briton James Winslow of JA Motorsports with 107, just two points ahead of third-running Sy of Speedtech Asia at 105. Winslow’s teammate, Battistini, is running fourth with 94 points.