Drivers prime up for Asian Formula 3 run at Subic

Following the cancellation of the first leg of the Asian Formula 3 Series at Malaysia’s Johor Circuit due to the SARS scare, teams and drivers have begun preparations for the second leg which is slated on May 10-11 at the newly refurbished Subic International Raceway inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

Expected to figure prominently in the Philippine rounds of the series, which are sponsored by Pagcor and promoted by Colby Ventures, are Castrol Team Goddard with Ambi Pur teammates Mark Goddard — the Manila-based Briton and defending 2001 champion — and 2001 Philippine F3 champion Jojo Silverio.

They will be hard-pressed, however, by the stellar Filipino cast led by 2002 Asian Formula Renault champion Enzo Pastor, who is taking over the seat vacated by Silverio at Team Tom’s Asia, Pepon Marave of the Shell Marave Racing Team; Richard Joson of Team Denso JF3, and JP Tuason of the newly organized Speedtech Asia.

Debuting in the event are Filipino and 2002 stalwart Mike Potenciano, who may drive the second Shell Marave car, and Speedtech Asia’s Roland Hermoso.

Bannering the foreign challenge is the Vertex Motorsports trio of Jeffrey Lee of Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong’s Paul Chan and Marchy Lee. Also expected to participate is Singapore’s Dennis Lian, who will be tackling his first season in AF3 with Team Denso JF3.