Wootton grabs first pole position, but day ends in disappointment 30.05.2009: After setting his first pole position for both rounds of Formula BMW Pacific at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia this afternoon, Australian Formula BMW Junior, Chris Wootton has been left disappointed after being taken

After setting his first pole position for both rounds of Formula BMW Pacific at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia this afternoon, Australian Formula BMW Junior, Chris Wootton has been left disappointed after being taken out in separate incidents in both events.

The day started superbly – in qualifying, Chris edged fellow Formula BMW Junior and Eurasia Motorsport team-mate, Axcil Jeffries for round three and Irishman, Gary Thompson for round four by mere hundredths of a second.

Unfortunately, things unravelled for the Brisbane-based youngster when it came to racing, through no fault of his own.

He got a sensational start in the opening race, however was collected heading into turn one. To add insult to injury, he copped another hit on the front of his car, which ended the race then and there. There’s a fair chance he would have been able to continue without the second hit.

The Eurasia Motorsport team worked overtime to get the car ready for round four and lift Chris’ spirits.

Chris made a stellar beginning to the fourth race of the season, yet it was slowed by Safety Car. Controlling the pace from the front, Chris made a smooth getaway and all on hand felt he could go on to win the race. Unfortunately, one of his rivals had other ideas and drilled the Queenslander, leaving him beside the track wondering what might have been.

Today’s results determine the grid for tomorrow, meaning Chris will be starting from the rear of the grid and is faced with working his way through the field. Chris is taking a positive view that this could work to his benefit, should the same action happen at the front.

Tomorrow will see rounds five and six of the 2009 Formula BMW Pacific season contested, where the 20-year-old aims to strike back and put this bad luck – along with the entire Formula BMW Pacific field – behind him and record his first wins in Formula BMW.

BEHIND THE HELMET – CHRIS WOOTTON:

“Today’s races were so demoralising, I just cannot believe it,” he said. “After setting pole, I was genuinely hoping we could go on and record our first wins in Formula BMW Pacific, but it wasn’t to be.

“It was a great feeling to have recorded Pole Position and it shows the work that Eurasia Motorsport and my Race Engineer, Greg Wheeler has really paid off. The weekend had gone perfectly up until this point.

 “We were really hoping to add to our Championship tally and move forward this weekend.  The two crashes have really halted that, for this weekend at least.

“Nevertheless, there’s a long way to go, so we have to look at the positives and see what we can do tomorrow – I hope we can salvage something for BMW, my family and all those who support me.”


WHAT IS FORMULA BMW?

Formula BMW is the world’s leading entry level open-wheel Formula racing category.

The Formula BMW FB02 weighs 465kg excluding driver. It is powered by a 1.2 litre four cylinder engine which accelerates to 100kph in less than four seconds and will hit a top speed of 230kph.

All cars are identical and innovations such as the FORS (Formula Rescue Seat) were developed by BMW Motorsport specifically for Formula BMW.

Formula BMW is conducted in three territories – the United States (Formula BMW Americas), with Formula 1 Grands Prix in Europe (Formula BMW Europe) and Formula BMW Pacific in pan-Asia.

 

WHO IS CHRIS WOOTTON?

Chris is a 20-year-old race driver from the Brisbane suburb of Birkdale. He started karting competition in 2005 and quickly showed potential – taking out Rookie of the Year honours in two classes.

At the end of 2007, Chris underwent the Formula BMW Scholarship program. He impressed the judges with not only his ability behind the wheel, but approach to the sport and fitness. He was then offered a scholarship for the 2008 Formula BMW Pacific Series.

Finishing as the second highest Rookie in the Series and seventh overall, being offered a scholarship for the second year in succession is testament to his dedication.

Aside from motorsport, Chris takes a strong interest in a majority of sports. Taking cues from his mentor – Mark Webber – he concentrates on being one of the fittest drivers around, becoming a regular in the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge. In the two Challenges he has completed, he finished in front of many well-known sportsmen and adventure racers.

Chris will chase the 2009 Formula BMW Pacific victory with Eurasia Motorsport.

 
2 – 5 April  Malaysia  Sepang Int. Circuit (F1)  1 (2nd) & 2 (2nd)
 
21 – 24 May  Malaysia  Sepang Int. Circuit (AFOS)  3(DNF), 4(DNF), 5 & 6
 
16 – 19 July  Indonesia  Sentul Int. Circuit (AFOS)  7, 8, 9 & 10
 
24 – 27 Sept.  Singapore  Marina Bay Circuit (F1)  11 & 12
 
29 Oct. – 1 Nov.  Japan  Okayama Int. Circuit (WTCC)  13  & 14
 
18 – 22 Nov.  Macau  Guia Circuit (MGP)  15 


- Matt Payne-  photo BMW AG