Following the inking of an agreement between Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and Formula One Management (FOM) to have a Formula 1 race at Sepang for the next three years, SIC announced that Nabil Jeffri, 22, and Akash Neil Nandy, 19, will be participating in the 2016 GP2 and GP3 seasons, respectively.
Nabil will be flying the Malaysian flag under Arden International in GP2, while Akash is racing under the Jenzer Motorsport banner in GP3. The first races of the GP2 and GP3 series will commence in Barcelona on May 13. The GP2 series will have 11 races, while GP3 sees drivers competing in nine rounds.
Both Nabil and Akash came into GP racing from their start in go-karts. Nabil’s best result was second overall in the ATS Formel 3 Cup in 2014 with two wins and 16 podium places, while Akash finished third in Formula Masters China series in 2013.
The event was officiated by Khairy Jamaluddin, minister of youth and sport, who expressed his hope that Nabil and Akash would attain their dreams. “Nabil and Akash are in pursuit of their F1 dreams, following the footsteps of the greats and looking to stamp their own mark in GP2 and GP3. I commend SIC’s efforts in bringing GP2 and GP3 races to draw the crowd to Formula 1 in Malaysia,” said Khairy.
Khairy also urged the corporate sector in Malaysia to increase efforts to sponsor motorsports in the country, and nurture local talent. “This is a capital intensive endeavour, not only in organising motorsports events but also to be able to participate as a racer. This is where the private sector can play a part to help pick up some of the costs of these events as well as sponsoring the drivers or teams,” he said.
Datuk Radzlan Razali, CEO of SIC, also expressed his delight at having Nabil and Akash in GP2 and GP3, and said that the arrangement to have two drivers in the series was done quickly after the green-light was given by FOM. “When I got the call from FOM that we could include a Malaysian driver in the series, I scrambled to find suitable drivers, talented drivers, for the series. And here we are,” said Radzlan.
The GP2 and GP3 series will be held as a support race to Formula 1 at Sepang this September 30 to October 2. The inclusion of this two race series, seen as a stepping stone up to the top-flight Formula 1, is hoped to enhance spectator interest in the year’s race, especially with the inclusion of two Malaysian drivers.
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In b4 the nasi lemak driver cant win cuz of tongkat & nasi lemak, so better put all the money to capati driver.
Now bashers cant say anything.
That’s cause capati can drive. Look on the road, you rarely see capati getting involved in an accident.
Let’s hope they don’t end up like our formula 1 driver …