BTCC: Team PSP new recruit test notes 2003-10-22

Fariqe flies out after successful training

Team PSP's fledgling driver Fariqe Hairuman has completed his acclimatisation to BTCC circuits with a successful return to Snetterton last week. Running a 2003 BTCC Proton Impian, he recorded competitive times and pronounced himself happy with progress.

Fariqe said: "This has been a very hard couple of weeks learning a new circuit every few days. I know I've made good progress especially by measuring my improvement at Snetterton."

He continued: "Overall, the circuits are no more challenging than those I've competed on in the southern hemisphere but perhaps there is a wider variety of corners, surfaces and track widths here. The differences between Croft and Silverstone, Brands and Snetterton are immense and have made my training really interesting. It is a strong reminder how important the communication between driver and engineer is, to ensure we get the car dialled in to each circuit. It will be even more important next year when we have three races on race day; there will be less time between each race for changes."

He concluded: "I'm very grateful for the opportunity that PETRONAS have given me. In the last thirty months I have learned a great deal through racing in PETRONAS colours in South Africa, New Zealand and Malaysia. I thank Mike Briggs, Richard Lester and especially David Wong for all their help and support."

In the last three weeks, Fariqe has visited Thruxton, Brands Hatch, Donington, Oulton Park, Silverstone, Croft and Snetterton.

Fariqe will now return to Malaysia for additional fitness development before assisting in development work for the 2004 PETRONAS-backed BTCC Proton Impian.

-psp-