Now heading to the 2023 season’s halfway point, the Formula V1 Challenge is bracing for an epic showdown between some of the fastest drivers in the country. Favorites in both the PRO and AM classes now have emerged after the curtain raiser last June and will surely be in the thick of the action this weekend at the Clark International Speedway (CIS). Plus, the announcement of a new tire supplier will surely spice up the battles on track.
Iñigo Anton of Obengers Racing-Toyota Balintawak drew first blood in the PRO class by winning 2 out of the 3 opening races.This gives him an 11 point advantage over Joaquin ‘Wakkeen’ Garrido of OTR Motorsport who scored a victory in race 3. But don’t discount Japanese driver Kazuki Takemura of West Racing Team. He currently sits 3rd in the championship and is still within striking distance of the Anton and Garrido. Plus the fact that, as the factory entry, Takemura knows the the VITA-01 machine more than they do.
Meanwhile, the AM class is a 4-car horse race between Rainy Medina, Oliver Aquino, Paolo Ayo and Dondi San Jose. Medina of Autoholic Raceform currently leads after his 2 race wins and 1 podium. But it’s only 2.5 points ahead of Aquino of OTR Racing who is able to match Medina’s performance at every race. Ayo of Edgesport Racing and San Jose of MOHS Racing-Matonetics also have their own battle brewing for 3rd and are split by only 1 point in the standings. Joining in the fray this weekend is newcomer Juancho Brobrio driving the second entry of Obengers Racing.
A new official tire for the Formula V1 Challenge is also be introduced beginning Round 2. GT Radial will all supply on entries on the grid with its latest Champiro SX-R tire – a next generation high performance sport tire designed specifically for racing purposes.
Action will take place this October 27/28 at the Clark International Speedway (CIS) with Races 4 and 5 on a Friday, followed by Race 6 on Sunday.
The 2023 Formula V1 Challenge Series is supported by Motul Philippines, OMP, FASA, TOPTUL, and West Racing Cars; with official media partners: The Philippine Daily Inquirer, AutoDeal, C! Magazine, AutoCar Philippines, Skramble Media, Time Attack Manila, and Wheels Philippines.
