he Sepang Circuit will be the perfect setting for team QI-Meritus.Mahara to show the elite world of Formula 1 that they are a dominating force in the GP2 Asia series.
The Malaysian-based team proved they are capable of achieving victory with the past race in Indonesia, and will work on development and improvement for the late March Formula 1 World Championship support race.
Luca Filippi had his strongest performance yet as the Honda F1 test driver took the first win for QI-Meritus.Mahara in the GP2 Asia series. The win was dampened after stewards ruled that the rear tyres of Filippi’s car had been allocated to teammate Hiroki Yoshimoto, resulting in the team keeping the win, but not the points. This ruling sent Filippi to the back of the grid for race two.
Luca Filippi: "I was fantastically happy of course to have been on the podium. A win here on a new track with a new team would have felt great. I want to thank the public in Sentul for their great support to the only truly Asian team in the paddock and I feel really happy. My pace was good all the way. The car was working well. Overall, with the team, we have done a great job to prepare for the races. The main thing is that we established that the car is quick for the races.”
Sunday brought rain and more bad luck for the QI-Meritus.Mahara as both drivers started at the back of the grid. Yoshimoto stalled on the grid and with only three laps to go his gearbox locked up forcing him to bow out of the race.
Peter Thompson, president and team founder of QI-Meritus.Mahara, says the team came in with high hopes and despite a podium finish the weekend’s results turned out to be unexpected.
"Hopefully we can do better at our home race in Malaysia, for the third event of the season and we are looking to some more development and improvement."
QI-Meritus.Mahara prepares for battle on home turf
QI-Meritus.Mahara demonstrated incredible performances in Dubai and Indonesia and now the team is ready to show their home country that victory is within reach.
IRs in Malaysia should prepare for an electrifying event on 22-23 March as all teams will be pushed to their limits in the first of two Formula 1 World Championship support races.
The only truly Asian team in the GP2 Asia series will surely put on a spectacular display of motorsports talent for the world of Formula 1 and their Malaysian fans.
Watch this space for information on how to get your hands on tickets to what is expected to be the biggest race of the season.
If you are one of the unlucky ones not able to make it to the race, be sure to catch the recap on Star Sports Asia.
One more week until team QI-Meritus.Mahara tear up the Sepang track in their home country Malaysia. QuestNet’s Directors will attend the F1 support race on 22-23 March to cheer on the team. Will you be there? |