Formula Drift Malaysia making a comeback for third year at Dataran Merdeka

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FAST cars, screeching tyres and billowing smoke return to Kuala Lumpur as the adrenaline-pumping action of the Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011 returns on Dec 17 and 18.

Following a successful event last year, ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) and title sponsor Achilles Radial have announced the return of the third edition to Dataran Merdeka.

This year, spectators can look forward to catching some 40 professional drivers from across the Asia-Pacific pushing their rear-wheel-drive cars to the limit with impeccable precision and vehicle control.

This year’s edition will see the return of defending champion Daigo Saito of Spark Achilles Motorsports, who has stamped his authority on the series, having won the Singapore and Indonesian legs earlier in convincing fashion.

Fast and furious: Last year’s Formula Drift in Dataran Merdeka was a huge success.

Daigo will be facing stiff competition from his fellow countryman and race legend Orido Manubu in his iconic RSR Toyota Supra.

This will be Orido’s debut in the Formula Drift Asia series and fans can expect no less than some world-class drifting skills on display by this legend.

Other top drivers from the region include Thai stars Kiki Sak Nana and Saranon, in addition to Australian champion Josh Boetchher, who will make his maiden appearance in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s top drivers will be looking to capitalise on the local partisan support and their home-ground advantage as they eye for podium finishes at the championship in front of their fans in Kuala Lumpur.

Local crowd favourites such as Ivan Lau, Tan Tat Wei, Ariff Johanis and Ee Yoong Chern will be sure to give the international drivers a run for their money.

“With support from Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Dataran Merdeka has been the perfect host for our hugely successful event last year and we expect a bigger response in this upcoming edition,” said ESPN STAR sports event management vice-president Harvey Davis.

The Malaysian edition of the Formula Drift has become a highlight on the sporting calendar, attracting regional interest and talent, as well as world-class drivers hailing from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia.

Fans in Malaysia can expect a thrilling experience as top-class drivers burn up the course two-at-a-time, often only inches apart, featuring aggressive side-by-side action, nail-biting power slides and spectacular drifting along a series of tight corners as powerful engines roar and tires bellow smoke.

The Achilles Formula Drift Malaysia 2011 is the third leg of the Achilles Asian Drift Series 2011, which covers Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Tickets are now available from Ticket Pro (www.ticketpro.com.my or hotline 03-7880 7999).

Walkabout tickets cost RM28 and grandstand tickets go for RM128.

For details, log on to www.formuladriftasia.com.