Spurred by their victorious collaboration at Sepang 12-hour Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race (MME) last year, Team Proton R3 and X1-R are joining forces again - this time at the inaugural Sepang 1000km in June which the team aimed to top Class 2.
"We can confirmed that we are putting two entries - a Proton Neo R3 and a Proton Gen2 R3. We still finalizing the drivers' list; but for sure, they would be led by Malaysia's top saloon car driver and Proton R3 test driver Faidzil Alang," said team coordinator Najmi Razak.
Winner of the MME overall title in 2008 in a Proton R3 Lotus Exige 300RR with Tengku Djan Ley and Damien French of Australia, Faidzil won Class B last year in a Proton Neo R3; partnering former Proton Production Car Championship winner Mohd Hafizy Hafiz and Shafique Ali.
"The two race cars are currently being built fresh with last year's winning car being used for testing and reference for development. Basically, we have not done any major work for the Sepang 1000km except from installing a newly developed Campro engine.
While the engines are being installed with new components to increase performance up to 15 percent, Najmi said the other emphasis given in the development was to ensure durability and enhancing reliability of the engines.
"The race should be run about nine hours. So, it is vital to give confidence for the drivers to push hard throughout the race. There are no major changes on the chassis though . just some small additional adjustments," said Najmi.
"The team is really looking forward for battle as we are made to understand that all of the local drivers will be taking part apart from the Australian and Singaporean drivers. But, we will be ready for any challenge and we are now currently working on further improving the pitstop routines and upgrading the pit equipment and tools.
"Without doubt, it is going to be a great competition. We will be working hard; but you know us, we aim to have an enjoyable, fun time as well working in the pits," added Najmi, who commended Sepang International Circuit in creating the new Sepang 1000km Race to provide more competitive racing opportunities for local drivers.
via malaysiangp.com.my
