THE 2003 and 2004 Asian Formula Three Promotions Class winners and the 2002 Asian Formula Three Championship overall victor Ambi Pur Team Goddard-Minardi Team Asia is all set to go for the new Asian Formula Three season which opens at the Batangas Race Circuit (BRC) on April 10.
It’s all change at one of the most successful racing teams in Asia with lead driver of the past four years, team owner Mark Goddard, stepping aside to make way for Filipino young gun Dado Peña. The 17-year-old has driven for Minardi Team Asia in the Formula BMW Asia Series over the past two years so driver and team are no strangers.
"Dado has shown us he has the talent to win and we think that Ambi Pur Team Goddard-Minardi Team Asia can unlock his potential and produce a race winner," Goddard said.
"Peña demonstrated that potential with a stunningly fast test run at the BRC and he must start as one of the favorites to win."
Peña will be joined by Irish driver, Greg Murphy, who will race the Ambi Pur Team Goddard-Minardi Team Asia Dallara 398 car in the Promotions Class for cars built before 1999.
The team has triumphed in the Promotion Class Championship for the past two years and Goddard is confident that Murphy will be able to complete a hat trick. This will be the Irishman’s first season of Formula Three.
Goddard reported that the tie-up with the Minardi F1 Team has been further cemented this year.
"Minardi is keeping a close eye on our drivers and it will open doors for them if they really shine," Goddard said. "Minardi has given 40 percent of the current Formula One drivers their first taste of F1 and many such as Alonso, Webber, Fishichella and Trulli have gone on to drive for race-winning teams. There is no reason why guys like Dado and Greg cannot follow in their footsteps," he added.
The team have also renewed their support from Ambi Pur Car.
"Ambi Pur car fresheners are the market leaders in terms of style, design and scents and I believe their support of our race team reflects the quality of their products and they should be applauded for supporting aspiring F1 stars like Dado. It’s also great that the Ambi Pur Grid Girls will be back with the team again!" said Goddard.
Speedzone Karting is again a team partner while PLDT My Pad supports Peña.
Goddard says they welcome any supporters to visit their pit garage during the race, which will also be seen live on Studio 23.
