FRD 2004

(Malaysia, Sepang International Circuit – April 25, 2004) Once again, Vinay Basavaraja dominated in the rain during Round 4 of the Asian Formula Renault Challenge at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

After competing with Europe’s top young drivers in the La Filiere FFSA Formula Campus Series in France, and then in USA under the Skip Barber Series, Vinay was personally invited by Kenneth Ma, president of the Shangsai FRD GT Tires Team, to race in Sepang with one of the three team cars. His teammates would be none other than Hideaki Nakao, Champion of the 50th Macau Formula Renault GP, and Jim Kato, 2003 China Formula Campus Champion aiming to be the first Chinese Formula One Driver. With teammates of such high credentials, it was not going to be easy for Vinay.

April being the middle of raining season in Malaysia, everyone knew it would rain in the evening, but would it rain before, during or after the race? The showers fell hard before the race, then the track began to dry just as the clouds came in again, guaranteeing Vinay’s favorite driving weather, soaking wet!

Lining up 5th on the grid with teammate Nakao 6th, Vinay was ready to take the Shangsai FRD GT Tires Team to the podium. As the Starting Lights extinguished, Vinay launched up to 3rd, and then 2nd place by the 1st turn.

Patience being a key element in racing, Vinay waited in 2nd place, carefully observing 1st place and planning his attack. Luckily he didn’t have to, he let teammate Nakao in 3rd place through to do the dirty work. Nakao took a pass for the lead, but the leader’s car became unstable during braking, and hit Nakao. Slowing down for the accident, Vinay took the lead and never looked back, easily winning with over a 7 second lead. Patience and planning pay off when racing in dangerous wet conditions!

Vinay now lives to Zhuhai, China working as a test driver and instructor with the biggest racing organization in China, Formula Racing Development Ltd. At Zhuhia and later at the new Shanghi F-1 circuit, Vinay will be testing Formula Renault and Formula Campus cars, developing the new Spider for FRD, and teaching drivers how to race.

Will Vinay race again for the Shangsai FRD GT Tires Team? It all depends on the team, and its sponsors. For the latest updates, visit http://vinmotorsports.com and the team’s web site, http://frdsports.com

April 25, 2004 - Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia Vinay Basavaraja Dominates on the wet Malaysian F-1 Circuit
Eddie Jordan visits Shanghai to announce his aid to Shangsai FRD GT Tires Team and China to form the first Chinese Formula One Team	sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss sss	(Malaysia, Sepang International Circuit – April 25, 2004) Once again, Vinay Basavaraja dominated in the rain during Round 4 of the Asian Formula Renault Challenge at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. After competing with Europe’s top young drivers in the La Filiere FFSA Formula Campus Series in France, and then in USA under the Skip Barber Series, Vinay was personally invited by Kenneth Ma, president of the Shangsai FRD GT Tires Team, to race in Sepang with one of the three team cars. His teammates would be none other than Hideaki Nakao, Champion of the 50th Macau Formula Renault GP, and Jim Kato, 2003 China Formula Campus Champion aiming to be the first Chinese Formula One Driver. With teammates of such high credentials, it was not going to be easy for Vinay. April being the middle of raining season in Malaysia, everyone knew it would rain in the evening, but would it rain before, during or after the race? The showers fell hard before the race, then the track began to dry just as the clouds came in again, guaranteeing Vinay’s favorite driving weather, soaking wet! Lining up 5th on the grid with teammate Nakao 6th, Vinay was ready to take the Shangsai FRD GT Tires Team to the podium. As the Starting Lights extinguished, Vinay launched up to 3rd, and then 2nd place by the 1st turn. Patience being a key element in racing, Vinay waited in 2nd place, carefully observing 1st place and planning his attack. Luckily he didn’t have to, he let teammate Nakao in 3rd place through to do the dirty work. Nakao took a pass for the lead, but the leader’s car became unstable during braking, and hit Nakao. Slowing down for the accident, Vinay took the lead and never looked back, easily winning with over a 7 second lead. Patience and planning pay off when racing in dangerous wet conditions! Vinay now lives to Zhuhai, China working as a test driver and instructor with the biggest racing organization in China, Formula Racing Development Ltd. At Zhuhia and later at the new Shanghi F-1 circuit, Vinay will be testing Formula Renault and Formula Campus cars, developing the new Spider for FRD, and teaching drivers how to race. Will Vinay race again for the Shangsai FRD GT Tires Team? It all depends on the team, and its sponsors. For the latest updates, visit http://vinmotorsports.com and the team’s web site, http://frdsports.com Click Here to See More Photos
Waiting for the Starting Lights to go off, Vinay prepares for his first “standing start” in Formula Renault
Taking the Shangsai FRD GT Tires Team to the top with a win, Vinay enthusiastically celebrates with his competitors on the podium
Vinay poses with the trophy and Pierre, the mechanic who prepared the winning Shangsai FRD GT Tires Team car
		The Shangsai FRD GT Tires Team, the team that wins by a commited, and highly motivated crew.