After completing five events in its inaugural season, the Formula 4 South East Asia (F4/SEA) Championship – certified by FIA now approaches the final stretch with the sixth and final event of the season. The season finale at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is scheduled to take place from 21-22 January 2017.
Featuring another bumper-packed schedule over two days, the season finale will see the young drivers compete in six more races. The final event will also see the drivers vie for maximum points for the honour of being crowned the Fuji Xerox Star Driver of the final event and, more importantly, the first ever F4/SEA Overall Champion.
Also up for grabs are the F4/SEA Overall Rookie Champion crown and the coveted FIA Super License points that will be awarded to the top seven drivers in the championship, essential for progression up the single-seater pyramid to the pinnacle of motor racing.
Returning to a circuit the young drivers are familiar with, the 5.543km long highly technical Sepang International Circuit will once again test their skills and endurance, particularly in the hot and humid conditions. Hoping to capitalise on home ground advantage are two young home favourites, Isyraf Danish (MAS, Car #19) and Eric Louis (MAS, Car #23) who will be flying the Malaysian flag or Jalur Gemilang.
Coming full circle back in Malaysia after an epic season that kicked off at Sepang last August, the F4/SEA has travelled over 10,000km from its Malaysian starting and finishing points to include events in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.
Peter Thompson, Chairman, Triple A: “It is incredible that we have come to this final point in the inaugural season of the F4/SEA. It feels like we just launched it but already we have travelled to Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, on top of the three events including this final event right here at Sepang. It has been an incredible first season, with these young drivers showing us incredible promise and a glimpse into what the motor sports’ future generation looks like especially through our continuous and ongoing efforts to develop a truly Asian motor sport eco-system!”
Firhat Mokhzani, Managing Director, Triple A: “Since the very first event way back in August, these young drivers have continued to grow, develop and really mature as drivers, as evidenced in their race-craft, the pace and overall competitiveness. It is quite fitting to come back to Sepang, where it all began for these young drivers and measure their incredible progress, something they should be extremely proud of. I know I am!”
The final event of the season will be preceded by a pre-event collective test ahead of the race weekend’s programme. The event’s proceedings will commence on Saturday, 21 January with practice, qualifying and four races. The event will draw to a conclusion on Sunday 22 January with the final two races of the season.
Unlike previous events, the F4/SEA Overall Champion and F4/SEA Overall Rookie champion titles will be awarded later on Sunday evening at the Meritus AAA Awards Gala night also at the Sepang International Circuit.