Meritus re-signs Dustin Sofyan 28.03.2010: Seven times Formula BMW Pacific champions Meritus-GP has confirmed its has retain the services of Indonesian driver Dustin Sofyan for this season’s Formula BMW Pacific which flags off next weekend

MERITUS RE-SIGNS DUSTIN FOR FORMULA BMW PACIFIC

Seven times Formula BMW Pacific champions Meritus-GP has confirmed its has retain the services of Indonesian driver Dustin Sofyan for this season’s Formula BMW Pacific which flags off next weekend.

The Indonesian, who only turns 16 on July 29, finished fifth in his first season with the team last year. He, however, helped the team finish as the overall champion for the seventh consecutive year, scoring points in 14 of the 15 races.

To say Dustin had a roller coaster first season in Formula BMW Pacific is putting it mildly.

The Jakarta native had some great results mixed with some spectacular crashes and near misses in his first ever single-seater season in 2009.

Dustin got off to a good start when he finished fifth in the season opening race Sepang International Circuit but in the second race the following day, he had to retire on the first lap after he was involved in an accident which saw him go airborne after being hit by another driver.

"It was a frightening experience but thankfully no one got hurt," said Dustin. "This part of racing but I hope never to experience anything like it again."

In fact, that was the only race of the season that the then 14-year-old failed to score points in. This year, he is all geared up to show what he is capable off but to do so he needs to, "cut down on silly mistakes."

"I need to stay focus if I harbour any hopes of winning the championship," said Dustin, who turns to fishing and other water sports when he has any free time.

"I’ve been working real hard from the last day of the previous season until now as I know I have an added advantage from many of the other competitors as I have raced in most of the circuits, with the obvious exception of the new South Korea circuit, which will host six races this season.

"I have absorbed many lessons from my first season and I can’t wait for Sepang. It is going to be exciting."

Dustin is also looking forward to racing in Singapore once again, scene of another of his big crashes last season.

"Despite m crash, I still earned a total of four points from that weekend’s two races. It was exciting racing on the streets and I hope to do much better this season," said Dustin, who has been also working on his mental strength.

"We get up so early for practice, 5am, and sometimes it can be difficult to stay awake. But it is better now as I have been working hard on staying focus right from the beginning of every session.

"I know this is my big chance and I am determined to succeed my former team mate Rio Haryanto and become the next Indonesian Formula BMW Pacific champion."

His experiences will surely make Dustin hard to beat.


BIOGRAPHY  Dustin Sofyan
Date of birth:  July 29 1994
Current age: 15
Place of birth: Jakarta, Indonesia
Resident: Jakarta, Indonesia
Height and Weight: 165cm, 60kg
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Blood type:
Hobbies: Hanging out with friends¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡ ¡¡
Sports: Fishing and water sports
Favourite drink: Sprite
Favourite meal: American, Italian, Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine



Q&A with Dustin Sofyan

TR:How did the contact with Meritus happen?
DS: Last year when my dad approached Peter Thompson and Firhat Mokhzani

TR:What attracted you to Meritus?
DS:They have a winning tradition

TR: Do you have any superstitions before a race?
DS: No

TR:When looking at the calendar and at the track maps, which Formula BMW Pacific circuits will¡¡you enjoy most?
DS:Singapore as it is a street race and I want to make up for my crash there last year

TR: Do your parents support your racing career?
DS:Yes

TR: What is your best racing quality?
DS: My determination

TR: What languages do you speak?
DS: English and Bahasa Indonesia

TR: Which driver do you admire most?
DS: Michael Schumacher
 

YNWA - Photo Meritus