Lanka's Dilantha win twice in Shanghai

Aston Martin Asia Cup:

Bernard Perera

Sri Lanka's only international racing driver Dilantha Malagamuwa entered the history book on motor racing when he became the first driver to win the inaugural Aston Martin Asia Championship at the Shanghai F1 Circuit on Sunday. He went on to wing the first and the second in great style. This was first ever Aston Martin Asia Championship that came to the Asian region. His victory on Sunday brings great honour to Sri Lanka.

Malagamuwa in the qualifying round clocked 1: 59.249 to be placed third overall behind Kota Sasaki 1:58.223 (Japan)and Melvin Chong 1:59.240 (Singapore) and Mark Williamson (Australia) Sri Lankas Malagamuwa was only 0.009 Secs. behind the best timer Sasaki.

Malagamuwa started from the third position in the first stage was trailing the leaders for two laps. Just entering the third lap and coming on to the first corner.

The leader went astray at this stage Melvin and took the advantage to go past the leader. From there onwards Malagamuwa's intention was to go past Melvin. Disaster struck the Lankan driver when he went out of the track which caused a small mishap, but courageously came back and had to fight hard to get closer to the leaders.

By this time Ringo Chong has pulled ahead to have a good lead. Coming on to the 12th lap first corner Malagamuwa who do the cornering pretty well went past the top driver Ringo Chong to occupy the leaders slot. He held on to lead until he received the chequered flag to be the first winner of the Aston Martin Asia Championship.

Malagamuwa clocked 30: 14.0.53 secs. while Ringo Chong and Mark Eddy clocked 30:15.176 and 30:22.513 secs. respectively.

On the same day evening the second stage of the event was held with Malagamuwa taking the pole position. Lankan driver really enjoyed the benefit of pole position and got off to a great start to be in front with a comfortable lead.

He was followed by the two runners up in the first stage Ringo Chong and Mark Eddy. Sasaki the favourite who failed in the earlier race after having held the lead in the race once again had to be content with the fourth position.

Ringo Chong the Singaporean driver was far behind Malagamuwa and was followed by Mark Eddy.

The Lankan driver never made inroads for his followers come to terms at any stage of the event. Also they were not in a state to give a big challenge to the leader who was great guns at that stage. The leader Malagamuwa had no difficulty in increasing his lead and went on to win the event to take a firm grip of the Championship.

The round two ended with Malagamuwa recording a time of 30:03.209 secs. for the 15 lap race.

Runners up in the first race Chong and Eddy clocked 3:09.980 and 30:14.730 respectively.

Malagamuwa after the races "said that it was great to enter the history books for motor racing win two wins at the inaugural Aston Martin Asia Championship.

This will stand as one of the best achievements in my motor racing career as well. I am happy to say that I received great support from my sponsor Speed Sri Lanka as well as the Engineer Steve Waudby and the crew did a wonderful job by keeping my vehicle in fine shape to last the full length of the race". It was a great week end for me I had opportunity of racing with top class drivers from various parts of Asia. They were good drivers with more experience.

I had to use all my tactics to perform this achievement driving against top drivers, said Malagamuwa.

My main aim is to win this inaugural Aston Martin Asia Championship this year and bring glory to my mother land.