Jeffri inches closer to C'ship win

The terrain was undulating, yet the deftness with which the mobile trailers were parked on either side evoked awe. The neat columns made a pretty sight. The circuit was at a distance, but the faithful had announced their arrival. This and the bare torsos, huddled around their abode, was a sight the eyes had started to get used to, but each step threw up something new.

Like any other newcomer to this part of the world, so endeared was he, that the sightings are atop Nabil Jeffri's jottings. "Unlike Malaysia, seeing people camp like this adds to the atmosphere,” he said. It was a "different feel" and a win at the venue of the Belgian Grand Prix added to the occasion. The next thing to do was put into perspective his run at the opening race of the JK Racing Asia Series (Round III).

"It was a combination of a good start and maintaining good speed," he said. Friday's result tightened his grip on the championship but Jeffri was concerned about getting more out of his car for the final race on the morrow.

A gap of 4.119 seconds separated Jeffri from his countryman Irfan Ilyas, who after a strong start, floundered. It was a sullen Aston Hare as he mounted the podium, "unappreciative of Jeffri's "weaving", which prevented him from overtaking the leader towards the end. But with the finish, the South African, who was behind Jeffri in qualifying, ensured that it was 1-2-3 for Team Eurointernational.

Results (Race I) (Top-6) Nabil Jeffri (Eurointernational) 20:27.823; Irfan Ilyas (Eurointernational) 20:31.942; Aston Hare (Eurointernational) 20:31.988; Danial Hidzir (Eurasia Motorsport) 20:35.289; Earl Bamber (Guest) (Mahara) 20:40.949; Aditya Patel (Guest) (US Formula Project) 20:45.603.
The trip has been sponsored by JK Tyre.