Meritus drivers deliver points in Sepang 30.05.2009: Questnet Team Qi-Meritus drivers Rio Haryanto and Dustin Sofyan delivered on their promised when they collected 33 points in today’s two races at the Formula BMW Pacific

Questnet Team Qi-Meritus drivers Rio Haryanto and Dustin Sofyan delivered on their promised when they collected 33 points in today’s two races at the Formula BMW Pacific

Rio delivered the best result for the team when he finished third in the second race of the day, a vast improvement on his first race when he crashed out while trying to overtake a rival. Learning from his mistake, Rio kept his composure for his second podium of the season. He won the second race of the season a month ago.

The star of the day for the team, however, was Dustin Sofyan, who started 10th in both races but placed fourth and fifth in the two races. It was an outstanding performance from the 14-year-old, who is making his debut in the Formula BMW Pacific.

“I’m quite happy with my results today as I only started 10th on the grid. Having said that, I think I could have finished fourth in the second race as well,” said Dustin, who earned 18 points – 10 for finishing fourth and eight for finishing fifth.

“I will start higher up the grid tomorrow and this will boost my chances of finishing on the podium, which has been my goal for the weekend. I have had four races this season and I feel I have improved in each and every one of them.”

Rio, who collected 15 points, said: “I made a mistake in the first race as I was too eager to pass and paid the ultimate penalty by crashing out. It is a tough lesson but one I won’t forget in a hurry. I must learn to pick my spot and not force my way through.”

On tomorrow’s races, the 16-year-old said: “I will start the first r at the back of the grid but third for the second race due to my podium finish today. My target is to try and finish in the points in the first race and then go for a win in the last race of the weekend.”

Team owner, Firhat Mokhzani had mixed feelings about today’s races as he felt the team could have had more than one podium finish.

“Overall, I’m quite pleased with both drivers, particular Dustin, who did very well to finish fourth and fifth. With a bit more experience and time behind wheel, he will get better.

“Rio, meanwhile, made an error of judgement in the first race but showed great character to finish third in the second race. He will be in good form tomorrow.”


RESULTS

Formula BMW Pacific

Race 1: Axcil Jefferies (Eurasia Motorsport) 22:07.114s, 2. Gary Thompson (E-Rain Racing 2:11.542s, 3. Akhil Khushlani (E-Rain Racing) 2:12.075s, 4. Dustin Sofyan (Questnet Team Qi-Meritus) 22:18.653s, 5. Calvin Wong (Team Holzer PFX) 22:20.785s

Race 2: 1. Fahmi Ilyas (E-Rain Racing) 24:27.865s, 2. Gary Thompson (E-Rain Racing) 24:34.239s, 3. Rio Haryanto (Questnet Team Qi-Meritus) 24:36.925s, 4. Axcil Jefferies (Eurasi Motorport) 24:41.243s, 5. Dustin Sofyan (Questnet Team Qi-Meritus) 24:41.373s


- Rahminho -  photo Meritus