Dilantha excels in Shanghai

Bernard Perera

Dilantha Malagamuwa the only Sri Lankan FIA Licenced Driver was seen on the podium twice over the weekend in Shanghai.

First competing in the Asia Aston Martin Round One he was placed ahead of Australia’s Mark Williamson and Singapore’s Ringo Chong.

In race two of the day in the same class he had to be content with the third position as he had to face few technical problems. Here it was Mark and Ringo was in front.

Dilantha speaking over the phone said that though he qualified to start from second position managed to overtake the front runner in second lap and held on to the lead till the finish to receive the chequered flag first.

In second race though he took off from pole position could keep upto the required speed due to technical problems and fell back in the fifth lap. I had stiff competition from Mark Williamson and Ring Chong in this event too where they took the revenge from me.

He further added that it was the first time that Sri Lanka National Anthem was played at Asia’s Aston Martin Series, with the Lion Flag atop.

This is also the first occasion a Sri Lankan drove under FIA Licence which was issued by the Ceylon Motor Sports Club, and am thankful to them for giving this opportunity.