F4 driver Isyraf hopes to continue winning form in Sepang

KUALA LUMPUR: Youngster Isyraf Danish Mohd Ghazali has set himself a lofty target for the second season of the FIA Formula 4 South-East Asia Championship, which flags off at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) on Friday.

Having finished fourth overall in the drivers’ standings last year, the 16-year-old Isyraf hopes to vie for the overall crown this time.

“Nothing less than being the overall champion,” he boldly declared.

“I’m also super excited that we are one of the support races for the final Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix.

“I’ve been waiting since I was five to race on the same weekend as an F1 event. Hopefully, I can continue my winning form in Sepang.”

Isyraf ’s victory in the final leg of the 36-race series in Sepang made him the only Malaysian winner last season.

Besides this week’s Malaysia leg, the other four rounds will be held at the Clark International Speedway in the Philippines (Oct 20-22), Sentul International Circuit in Indonesia (Nov 24-26), Buriram International Circuit in Thailand (Jan 12-14) and the finale back in Sepang (Feb 9-11).

“There are 30 races this year. Having won in Sepang earlier this year, I’m determined to repeat it this weekend,” said Isyraf, who has close to 600,000 followers on Instagram.

“I’ve been training hard for this season. I can’t underestimate anyone. I have to stay focused.

“I’m praying for a dry race in Sepang. I’ve done some pre-season testing and I’m quite pleased with my times.”

As one of the 12 worldwide championships in the FIA’s F4 global format, the FIA single-operated F4 SEA Championship is certified by FIA to help young aspiring motorsport talents to fulfil their racing ambitions.

The F4 SEA is the first step for the drivers in Asia to collect FIA Super Licence points in their bid to join the big league – F1.