Formula BMW

AP: Earl Bamber Sepang race summary

15 - YEAR - OLD BAMBER SENSATIONAL IN FORMULA BMW ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP Earl Bamber of Wanganui was totally dominant when rounds three, four and five of the 2006 Formula BMW Asia Championship were held at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia at the ...

Published: May 17, 2006, 7:06 PM

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15 - YEAR - OLD BAMBER SENSATIONAL IN FORMULA BMW ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP

Earl Bamber of Wanganui was totally dominant when rounds three, four and five of the 2006 Formula BMW Asia Championship were held at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia at the weekend.

The 15 - year - old, Powerbuilt Tools supported driver took his Team Meritus FB02 Formula BMW car to three wins from three starts. To underline the young drivers dominance in what is still his debut season in motor racing he set the quickest time in qualifying, won all three races and set the fastest lap time in two of the three races. The outstanding performance has lifted the New Zealand driver to the top of the championship point standings and has also given him a healthy lead in the Rookie Cup standings. In addition he and his team - mate, Thailand based British driver James Grunwell, have helped Team Meritus to a comfortable lead in the Team's Championship.

There is little else Bamber could have achieved in what was an emphatic performance in just his second appearance in the championship and incredibly, only the tenth event in his motor racing career.

Bamber began the weekend by qualifying on pole position ahead of Grunwell and Australian Sam Abay.

In the first race of the weekend - Round 3 of the Championship - on Saturday afternoon, Bamber led from start to finish to lead Grunwell home by 5.539 seconds. Abay was 3rd while Bamber recorded the fastest lap of the race, a 2 minute 12.861 second circuit on his fifth tour.

Bamber repeated the dose in the second race easing away to another win, this one by 5.827 seconds. Once again Grunwell was second and Abay 3rd. The Wanganui Collegiate student again set the fastest lap, in a time of 2 minute 12.361 seconds.

The final race was another comfortable win to the teenager, this time by 4.244 seconds from Abay with another Australian, Daniel Ricciardo filling 3rd this time.

The next rounds of the championship take place in Beijing, China over the weekend of 10/11 June.

-lb-

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