Dilantha maintains top position despite losing to Sasaki

Bernard Perera in Malaysia

Dilantha Malagamuwa, the racing driver representing Speed Sri Lanka was on the podium once again when he was placed second in the Aston Martin Asia Cup Round two race one behind Kotha Sasaki. Though he was second here still he managed to stay on top of the points table with his points gained with the two victories achieved in Shanghai few weeks ago.

Dilantha was always following closely the race leader Kotha Sasaki from the word go. He was eagerly waiting to go past the race leader no sooner the leader makes a mistake.

Dilantha taking the chance to get past Sasaki in the sixth corner in the third lap failed in his attempt and ran out of the track to lose valuable time. But once he got to the track made amends and improved on his timing and reduced the lead getting closer to the front runner.

In trying to get on top he also managed to record the fastest time clocking 2:20.513 in the 10th lap. He also made sure that his follower Mark Eddy from Australia does not go past him and finished a close second to Kotha Sasaki. The winner’s fastest time recorded during the race was 2:19.451 secs.

He took an overall time of 31:16.199 secs. to complete the twelve lap race just little more than two seconds behind the winner.

The second race for the day was not a good one for the overall leader Dilantha Malagamuwa as he had to be content with the sixth position. Dilantha and the first race winner, third and fourth placed drivers got off to great start. Sasaki was in front followed by the Lankan driver. Dilantha who was almost right behind Sasaki.

Tragedy struck Dilantha the man who was hoping to make a strong comeback out drive the first race winner in the opening lap.

The four leaders Sasaki, Dilantha, Dean Grant and Mark Eddy completing half way mark without any mishap. Coming on to the sixth corner it was seen that Dilantha taking a chance to go ahead of the race leader. His attempt was thwarted by Sasaki when he used his brakes which Dilantha never expected.

This resulted in Dilantha striking the tail of the leader which caused his vehicle take a right about-turn. He could not come back immediately as he had to give way to the oncoming drivers by the time he took to track again he has lost a considerable amount of time. He was right behind the other drivers after this incident.

Never say die Lankan driver made amends at this stage and was seen at his best to catch up with other drivers once again. His try at this stage saw him improve immensely with his timing lap by lap.

He also did his fastest lap achieving 2:19.974 seconds and became only the second driver to drive the 5.543 km lap in less than 2.20 secs. In his first lap he had a time of 2:50.218secs. When compared with his best time it gives an indication to prove his capability as the driver well in control of his machine at great speeds.

Infact with a top class drive he proved that he is the biggest challenger to all drivers who are looking for glory in this first ever Aston Martin Asia Cup championship. The second race for the day ended with Australians Dean Grant and Mark Eddy finishing as two runners up to Sasaki. Dilantha though he was in the last position after first lap overcame six drivers to be placed at the sixth slot.

The Lankan driver speaking to the Daily News said “it was the first lap mishap that caused the race for me. I was confident of gain valuable points from this but bad luck deprived me of that.

The winner Kotha Sasaki is the leading driver in Japan. He did every thing to beat me but he knows that he has to beat me if he is to lift the Cup. I am ready to give a tough challenge to him in the coming races. I did not have any chance to avoid the mishap when Sasaki touched his brakes at the sixth corner and my vehicle turned to face the oncoming drivers. I had to let all of them pass me before coming back to the race. This process cost lot of time, if not I would have definitely gone to the podium, said Dilantha.

Sasaki too was of the view that he has to face a big challenge from the Lankan driver Dilantha. If every thing goes well for him I will find things hard for me.

Results:

1. Kotha Sasaki (Japan) 2.Dean Grant (Australia) 3. Mark Eddy (Australia) 4. Eric Yeo (Singapore) 5. Stewart Seatter Australia (Australia)