Women show off their skills in racing

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THE two teams by Red Bull Malaysia — the all-female racing team, the Red Bull Rookies and the youngest team on the track, RB21 – competed in the recent Sepang 1,000Km (S1K) race.

The 181 laps race took nine hours to complete, and saw 27 other teams participate.

This is the third consecutive time Red Bull Rookies has participated and completed the S1K, while RB21 retired 23 laps short of completing the race due to technical problems.

From three nations: Members of RB21 and Red Bull Rookies (from left) Shahkirah, Amirah, Darwin, Puteri Ayu, Fauziah and Ang.

Both teams consisted of amateurs and non-experienced race drivers.

The RB21 team is made up of Siti Shahkirah Shaharul, 17, of Malaysia, Amirah Mokhtar, 20, of Singapore and Mark Darwin, 21, of Malaysia, the sole male driver in the team.

Red Bull Rookies comprises Puteri Ayu Jasmin, 28, of Malaysia, Emmiline Ang, 24, of Singapore and Fauziah Haziz, 26, of Brunei.

Commenting on the results of the race, Red Bull Malaysia executive director Jyn Wee said: “This is the first time that Red Bull has entered two teams in this race. It’s great to have Red Bull Rookies complete the race for the third consecutive time. The outcome of RB21 is only a minor speedbump. Looking at their performance, RB21 is the team to watch out for next year. All six drivers have made us proud tonight as they have great passion in motorsports racing”.

Ang from Red Bull Rookies said: “Despite racing for the first time, I am excited and satisfied with my performance. My team has been supportive and it is satisfying to have succesfully completed the race.

“Our all-women team, comprising drivers from three different countries, is proof that women can race”.

“It has been a thrilling experience racing in S1K for the first time. In motorsports racing, we face all kinds of challenges and these will only make us better, stronger and faster. With this experience, coupled with supportive teammates and Red Bull behind us, we can achieve a podium finish in time to come,’’ said Darwin.

Commenting on the performance of both teams, team manager Kenvin Low of Asia Advanced Driving Academy said: “Both teams performed well throughout the race and it is good to have the Red Bull Rookies complete the entire race, living up to their previous two S1K performances.

“With regards to RB21, unfortunately many factors come into play when it comes to motorsports but this is a good learning curve for the young team. The RB21 team showcased great abilities and I’m certain they’ll improve their performance in future”.

Red Bull introduced Red Bull Rookies and RB21 with the aim of increasing exposure of motorsports to women and youth. The initiative provides potential race drivers with a golden opportunity to be involved, trained and mentored in motorsports racing.

The Sepang 1000Km Race 2011 took place from Dec 1 to 3.

This third edition of S1K has been given the new role as Sepang International Circuit’s year-end extravaganza.

A spin-off event from the successful Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race, S1K pits production cars below 1900cc, and attracted international entries from as far as Australia and Japan.