SEPANG (May 15, 2008) – Team Meritus put themselves in a strong position to defend their lead in the Formula BMW Pacific Championship by securing two of the top three slots in final qualifying session during the Asian Festival of Speed at the Sepang Circuit here this evening.

 

Championship leader Simon Moss clocked the second fastest time of 2 minutes 12.542 seconds while newcomer to the team, Kazeem Manzur, stunned the field when he crossed the line with the third fastest time of the qualifying session.  

 

Moss, winner of the second round, also in Sepang, last month, took the crucial second spot on the front of the grid which gives him a great chance of completing back-to-back wins tomorrow. "It was a fine run today and I look forward to a great finish tomorrow," said the South African driver.

 

Hong Kong's Ross Jamison, No.2 in the championship, did not get the results that he wanted and settled for fifth spot on the grid. "We have identified the problems and are working on it. I'm hoping for a good start tomorrow," said Jamison, who won the opening round here last month.

 

The 16-year-old Kazeem, who had a test in Sepang earlier, surprised everyone with his best effort of 2:12.677. Leaving many of the more experienced drivers behind, Kazeem will have to be at his best to turn in a strong performance in his debut race in Malaysia.

 

Malaysia's leading driver in the Formula BMW Pacific championship, Arvin Roslan, had a tough day and ended in 11^th position. "I'm certainly not pleased at all with my result. The car was running very well today, I just hope to get a good clean start and go for the points."

 

Arvin, a rookie in the championship, is currently 5^th in the Formula BMW Championship and is determined to retain his spot as the best Malaysian driver.

 

Round 3 of the Formula BMW Pacific Championship will be held tomorrow afternoon.