Fariqe finally fulfils wish to win Sepang 1000km title

SEPANG: Fariqe Hairuman, who has won the Asian Touring Car Championship and Japan’s Super Taikyu titles in his glittering racing career, finally achieved his wish to bag the Sepang 1000km title.

Fariqe partnered Syafiq Ali in a Proton Iriz to help Proton R3 Motorsports retain the coveted crown at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) yesterday.

For Syafiq, it was his third Sepang 1000km title, having won with Proton R3 Motorsports in 2012 with Japan’s Morio Nitta in a Satria Neo machine and with Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel in a Proton Preve in 2014.

It was a super sweet victory for Fariqe after his near miss at last year’s Sepang 1000km race where he and Syafiq were leading for most of the race but had to be content with fifth place after a technical glitch on the final hour.

The Johor-born driver could not hide his feelings as he held the challenge trophy tight, praising God for giving him the opportunity to have his name carved as the winner with his best friend Syafiq.

“I would like to also thank my team, Proton Motorsports, and the entire team crew and my family for their support.

“This is my first endurance title won in Malaysia though I have won a few on the international arena. So, I am very, very happy.

“To Honda Malaysia, thank you for the fight until the last few laps. I’m so sorry for what happened to both your cars but you guys were flying,” said Fariqe of the late drama that saw both Honda cars retiring at the last few laps of the 181-contest.

Fariqe and Syafiq finished the 181-lap contest in 8’44:02.174.

The challenge of pole sitter Tedco Racing – featuring Nick, Farouk Abdul Kathir and Australian Chris O’Shannesy – fizzled out early after their Suzuki Swift encountered mechanical problems, forcing long repair works in the pits and effectively putting them out of contention.

The team eventually finished the race in 33rd position.