Dejan to drive Formula I on Asian Circuit

BY BERNARD Perera

YOUNG Dejan de Zoysa has qualified to compete in the Formula BMW Asia Series 2005. He underwent trial held by the Minardi Team Asia Formula. For the trial he drove Formula in an excellent manner to prove his ability behind the wheel though at a young age at 19.

All examiners were surprised at his performance and they had no hesitation in giving him the go ahead to compete in the Formula BMW Asia Series 2005, which consists of 14 rounds in various parts of Asia Spaning from Dubai to Australia.

The first and second round is to commence in Dubai from March 24 and 25. Meanwhile the third and fourth rounds too will be staged in Bahrain on April 2 and 3. Malaysia will hold the fifth and sixth stages on the Sepang Circuit in May 14 and 15.

The drivers then will move to China for the next two stages. August and September the events are scheduled to be run in Korea and Australia and the final two stages are to be run again in Shanghai, China.

Dejan who singed the contract to compete in the event with a fee amounting to nearly 200,000 US dollars with his participation he becomes the second driver to run on the international circuit after Dilantha Malagamuwa who is presently racing in Japan.

According Minardi Team Asia this opportunity is one of the best to qualify for International Formula I circuit. Participating in the Asian Circuit is the first step towards the Formula I racing.

At present 40 per cent of Formula I drivers slots are occupied by the Asian participants.

Young Dejan is one of the luckiest driver from Sri Lanka to enter this circuit. His performance here is sure to pave the way for him to reach the Formula I status in the future.

Considering Dejan's age he has a long period of time to make his mark as a top driver. He was also a member of the National Rowing Team which participated at the last SAF Games in Pakistan last year.

Dejan is to leave for Dubai next week for the first stage. He is hopeful that he could give a tough competition to drivers from the region. The only setback is the lack of international exposure, but with his local experience he is confident of being among the top placing provided all goes well.