AP: ART Bria preview

ART drivers aiming high at Bira

Asia Racing Team (ART) Motorsports drivers will be aiming for some top results this weekend, as the 2008 Formula Asia 2.0 series continues at the Bira circuit in Thailand.

The Round 3 saw the ART Motorsports scoring the first double 2nd of the season, with Yoshitaka Kuroda and Rio Haryanto finishing on the podium. Rio Haryanto took his first victory in Asia Driver Cup at the last month event. American talent Ryan Booth has been in the podium but his 2nd position was taken by a supposedly jump start. Now ART Motorsports trio are looking for a top-three finish to mark the second meeting in Thailand.

Obviously such a tight and twisty circuit demands a good qualifying performance and a strong start as it's difficult to overtake. The Bira Circuit is one of the most physically demanding tracks of the season with very humid conditions and a challenging layout. Kuroda, Haryanto and Booth know if they get the set-up together in time for qualifying, they could be looking at another strong weekend.

Team Manager Philippe Descombes is looking for strong results from his squad this weekend, "I am looking forward to the weekend. Our three drivers have experience of the circuit now, so unlike the previous rounds, they won't have the added task of learning the track throughout the weekend. We are attacking the other half of the series with serious championship ambitions. We had good result last event here but we need to keep working hard. This is the only way to could conquer even better results".

The team will be on track for free practice from 8.30 on Friday followed by qualifying for Race 1 at 09.40 on Saturday. Race 1 will take place 14.35 on Saturday. Race 2 will take place at 14.10 on Sunday.

-credit: art