A1 Team Malaysia will have to make do with shuffling
between Alex Yoong and back-up driver Aaron Lim when the
season takes off at the Zandvoort Circuit in the Netherlands
on Sept 30.
Spyker F1 Team test driver Fairuz Fauzy yesterday issued
a statement notifying that his tight schedule in the coming
months leave him with no option but to pull out of duties
with A1 Team Malaysia.
Fairuz stated he will not be part of the country’s
A1 team for pre-season testing at Silverstone on Aug 28-29,
despite the team announcing on Tuesday that the line-up
for the coming season will feature Alex, Fairuz and Aaron.
"Because of the commitments with the Spyker Team
and my tight schedule in the Formula Renault 3.5 World
Series, I am not able to commit myself to another championship," said
Fairuz.
"I am now concentrating fully on the F1 Spyker test
drive and development for this season and also my commitment
towards the World Series."
Fairuz is on a hot streak of form in the World Series,
having registered podium finishes in the past two rounds
and is currently ninth in the 34-driver championship.
He also gave his vote of confidence for up and coming
Formula Palmer Audi driver Nik Iruwan Nik Izani to be moved
up into the void left by him, as well as for the 20-year
old Aaron to be given more opportunities.
"Hopefully, the team will open opportunities to young
drivers like Nik Iruwan and Aaron, who are ready and have
experience in single seaters," said Fairuz.
"This will enable Nik Iruwan and Aaron to develop
and gain valuable experience to be at the next level of
single seater racing."
| 