Formula BMW Pacific - Atlantic Racing Team

Today's first open practice in the Formula BMW Pacific Series, being a
support event for the second round of the Formula One event in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, was a pleasant surprise for one of the youngest participants in
this important development series. Gabby Chaves was right out of the pitlane
one of the quicker drivers. After the usual settling down and finding the
quickest way around the circuit, the whole field impressed the organizers
with their speed. No major "off's" were reported.

Once Gabby Chaves had the right feel for the car and track, he shaved off
many seconds and closed the gap the second year Formula BMW drivers up to
1.23 seconds, giving him at the end a solid 6th place standing. This was an
achievement of importance to Gabby, his first day in an official Formula BMW
race weekend; a strong field of 14 drivers, many in their second year; his
first time in Sepang; and the first time with Atlantic Racing Team racing,
now giving him a total of 4 days in FB2 BMW car. Gabby was satisfied with
this result and knows that there is much more to be had and learned.

The whole idea going to the Pacific, racing with Gabby, bringing the car
over, completely new geographics for the team and finding all the right and
proper ways, is by itself a fairly big task", says Ingo Strackerjan, Team
Manager for Atlantic Racing Team, and goes on to say, " leaving Canada
behind in the midst of a snow storm and then coming to this tropical place,
tasting different foods and getting accustomed to local habits, is just out
of a fairy tale. The team really enjoys the hospitality from other teams,
the local people and the Formula BMW Pacific staff and organizers. One big
difference is the humidity and temperature here - 34 degrees C is somewhat
warm for us, but we all manage this well after having been here now for ten
days. The rain? Well, that's just amazing - lots of downpours with a
refreshing breeze!"

Tomorrow morning will be the official qualifying for Round one and two of
this series.
For more information please visit the official websites www.afos.com ;
www.bmw-motorsport.com ; www.atlanticracingteam.com