At Sepang International Circuit, when it rain, it pours. That was what the 22 Formula 1 drivers had to endure during their delayed Qualifying session, which goes the same to the 34 drivers of the Malaysia Super Series Group B. Although the circuit was extremely soaked, it did little to diminish the spirits of the drivers as they ploughed on for their first race of the 2014 series.
The drenched battle arena proved challenging to some and the 9-lap or 20 minutes sprint race was filled with drama from the start to the finishing line. Fighting for the lead, pole-sitter Damien Dielenberg in the white Honda DC5 faced great competition from Tony Teo, also racing in a DC5. In a condition where everyone was struggling for traction, every single move was carefully thought and executed as just in the opening lap, three cars retired from the race.
But the one struggling in the wet condition the most was Ifwat Ataa in the No.54 Honda Civic FD2 as he oversteered in most of the corners with countless close shaves, where at one time he almost came into contact with Syafiq Ali in the No.12 Proton Suprima S.
Playing it smart and cautiously all the way, Mark Darwin in the No.19 Proton Satria Neo managed to take advantage of Tony Teo’s mishap where he skidded into the gravel trap at the final turn during Lap 6, taking the lead off the defending champion.
As he led the race with Tony Teo and Syafiq Ali trailing close, the race reached its end after Lap 7 which was also 20 minutes into the race. Securing his first win with 25 points in the bag, he had also secured the pole position for Team Sakura-Tedco Racing to start the second race which takes place the next day.
