Chris Wootton survives huge rollover, then grabs sixth in Sepang shootout today

The nightmare continued for Australian Formula BMW Junior Chris Wootton at Sepang International Circuit today, after a coming together with Ryo Haryanto sent the Queenslander into a vicious roll at the start of Round 5, however the Eurasia Motorsport team were able to get him out for Round 6, salvaging a sixth place.

Following yesterday’s disappointments, Wootton was hoping to advance through the field and at least take something out of the weekend, but that didn’t last a lap after a coming together with Haryanto sent the Australian into orbit.

After a trip to the on-site Medical Centre – where concern was shown for some soreness in his knee – Wootton gathered his thoughts and quickly realised his Eurasia Motorsport Formula BMW FB02 was severely damaged.

All four corners and the rear wing had to be replaced, which the team worked overtime to do and got him back on track for the final race of the weekend.

Starting in 10th position, the 20-year-old was able to finish in sixth, but still leaves Sepang bitterly disappointed after setting his first Pole Positions for Formula BMW Pacific yesterday.

To draw another positive from the weekend is that Chris walks away with the new qualifying lap record for Formula BMW Pacific at Sepang.

BEHIND THE HELMET – CHRIS WOOTTON

“I’m still wondering if this might be some form of sick dream I’m in the middle of, but unfortunately it isn’t!

“After setting the quickest time in both qualifying sessions yesterday, it’s all been downhill.

“I was really hoping for more today, I wanted to work my way through and get something from the weekend after finishing yesterday with nothing. That wasn’t to be.

“I hurt my knee in the rollover, it’s not serious though, I’ll live to fight another day.

“The frustrating part of the weekend is that all the incidents I was involved in were avoidable.

“Eurasia Motorsport has worked overtime this weekend, the boys did superbly to get me on track after every race and I feel sorry for them.

“On the plus-side, I finished sixth in the final race today.

“The only thing I can hope for is all the bad luck is out of my system now and we can forge ahead from here on in and set about getting the Championship back on track, because it’s looking pretty ordinary right now.”

WHAT IS FORMULA BMW?

Formula BMW is the world’s leading entry level open-wheel Formula racing category.

The Formula BMW FB02 weighs 465kg excluding driver. It is powered by a 1.2 litre four cylinder engine which accelerates to 100kph in less than four seconds and will hit a top speed of 230kph.

All cars are identical and innovations such as the FORS (Formula Rescue Seat) were developed by BMW Motorsport specifically for Formula BMW.

Formula BMW is conducted in three territories – the United States (Formula BMW Americas), with Formula 1 Grands Prix in Europe (Formula BMW Europe) and Formula BMW Pacific in pan-Asia.

 

WHO IS CHRIS WOOTTON?

Chris is a 20-year-old race driver from the Brisbane suburb of Birkdale. He started karting competition in 2005 and quickly showed potential – taking out Rookie of the Year honours in two classes.

At the end of 2007, Chris underwent the Formula BMW Scholarship program. He impressed the judges with not only his ability behind the wheel, but approach to the sport and fitness. He was then offered a scholarship for the 2008 Formula BMW Pacific Series.

Finishing as the second highest Rookie in the Series and seventh overall, being offered a scholarship for the second year in succession is testament to his dedication.

Aside from motorsport, Chris takes a strong interest in a majority of sports. Taking cues from his mentor – Mark Webber – he concentrates on being one of the fittest drivers around, becoming a regular in the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge. In the two Challenges he has completed, he finished in front of many well-known sportsmen and adventure racers.

Chris will chase the 2009 Formula BMW Pacific victory with Eurasia Motorsport.
 
2 – 5 April  Malaysia  Sepang Int. Circuit (F1)  1 (2nd) & 2 (2nd)
21 – 24 May  Malaysia  Sepang Int. Circuit (AFOS)  3(DNF), 4(DNF), 5(DNF) & 6 (6th) 
16 – 19 July  Indonesia  Sentul Int. Circuit (AFOS)  7, 8, 9 & 10 
24 – 27 Sept.  Singapore  Marina Bay Circuit (F1)  11 & 12 
29 Oct. – 1 Nov.  Japan  Okayama Int. Circuit (WTCC)  13  & 14
18 – 22 Nov.  Macau  Guia Circuit (MGP)  15
 
 

- Matt Payne-