Malaysian driver, Hiqmar Danial Hidzir, started his second season in the JK Racing Asia Series with a fine third place in Round 3 held at Sepang International Circuit. This was his first podium in the Series and his first with Eurasia Motorsport.

His Australian team mate, Josh Raneri, was an extremely impressive rookie finishing top ten in all four races. The first time he sat in a Formula car was race week making his performance all the more remarkable.

Hidzir had completed only a handful of tests prior to the season but he was immediately on pace once race week began. He was very disappointed to qualify 7th saying, “too many mistakes! My theoretical fastest lap on the data was faster than the pole lap” rued Hiqmar.

Raneri was just two places behind in 9th on the starting grid.

Race one saw Hidzir climb to 5th place after a spirited battle with Tan Wei Ron, whilst Raneri completed his first race in 8th place, a fine achievement considering the quality of the 14 car field.

Race two saw Raneri go one place better whilst Hidzir was pushed off track whilst battling for third place and fell to the back of the field, eventually finishing tenth.

Race three was much better for Hidzir, taking third place on lap three and then holding off a challenge from last year’s Championship runner up, Afiq Yazid. Meanwhile, Raneri finished 7th, his fastest race lap less than a second slower than the race’s fastest lap.

Race four saw Hidzir start from tenth on the grid and he was able to finish 7th just ahead of his team mate.

“Hiqmar undertook very little pre-season testing compared to all the guys at the front and yet he still managed his first podium finish. I believe this bodes well for the remainder of the season and I see no reason why he will not be winning races this year.

“In Josh we seem to have found another Australian star in the making and if he continues to improve at the rate he did at Sepang we will have two potential race winners on our hands this season” reported Eurasia’s Mark Goddard.

JK Racing Asia Series continues with Rounds 5 & 6 at Paul Ricard in France on July 1.

Prepared by www.eurasiamotorsport.com

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