Tricky weather underscores opening round of the 2023 Tuason Racing Formula V1 Race Challenge

TIME TRIAL

That Friday morning saw the clock ticking as drivers cross the start/finish line, lap after lap, after lap. In the end, team Obengers Racing-Toyota Balintawak’s ace driver Inigo Anton became the fastest Pro Class racer, clocking in with a blistering 2:11.475 lap, a telltale sign of early dominance by the 21-year-old from Baguio. Close behind was Joaquin Garrido of the OTR Racing Team with his best lap time of 2:12.244. For the Pro Class, only these two were able to clock in a good lap.

Meanwhile in AM Class, Garrido’s teammate, Oliver Aquino, reeled in a best lap time of 2:14.090, followed very closely by team Autoholic Raceform’s Rainy Medina with a 2:14.339 lap. In 3^rd fastest was Paolo Ayo of Edgesport Racing Team who garnered a commendable 2:24.904 best lap time.

RACE 1

Soon after the Time Attack, the day’s activity proceeded to Race 1. As the dark clouds drift closer and closer, the armada of Formula V1 machines roared down the main straight for what could have been a planned 12-lap race… but mother nature had other plans. The rain poured down on Lap 6, blanketing the track with water puddles, making it increasingly dangerous as minutes went by. As a resul, the stewards had no choice but to red flag the race on Lap 6, ending the day prematurely.

As the rain continue on, the Pro Class podium once again beckoned Anton and Garrido, who took 1^st and 2^nd places, respectively. And for the 3^rd spot, it was team West Racing/Autoplus’ Milo Rivera, a familiar face on many of the country’s professional racing championship series.

In Am Class, the top 3 were Medina, Aquino, and Ayo who saw the flag in that order.

RACE 2

The second of three races for Round 1 was held the next day, June 10. Again, weather forecasts were showing some unpleasant numbers. But it didn’t hinder the action as the lights went green and cars came squealing up onto turn 1. This time however, the race completed its scheduled 12 laps. And it was too close as the rain came in during the final lap.

Right before lunch break, the resul sheets were delivered. In Pro Class, Inigo Anton came in 1^st place, followed by Japanese driver Kazuji Takemura of West Racing Team/Autoplus, Milo Rivera’s teammate. Finishing in 3^rd was Juaquin Garrido.

For the AM Class, Rainy Medina, Oliver Aquino, and Paolo Ayo crossed the line in the same order as Race 1.

RACE 3

During the entirety of lunch time, nature lashed strong, further adding risk to the already trick track condition. In fact, there was a bit of delay starting the third and final race of the day as a waiting time was implemented to let he rain stop and the track to dry out a bit. A short while later, the officials gave the thumbs up of safety, thus the starting of race number 3.

In brief, race 3 went on generally smoothly, albeit drenched in a slow, steady drizzle of rain. Knowing this as their last chance to snag some points, the 12 remaining drivers (1 entry failed to start) went in for the attack, making way for a crowd-pleasing display of close racing action. Highlighting this is the thrilling Pro Class battle between Inigo Anton and Rainy Garrido. The two young drivers didn’t hold back on each other’s momentum, exchanging positions every now and then, with some occasional close calls.

As the checkered flag came out though, it was Garrido who took the upper hand against the hard-charging Anton who settled for a very close 2^nd place. Seeing all that action from his visor was Takemura who clenched 3^rd.

Finally, in Am Class, a grueling fight to the finish also ensued between Aquino, Medina, and Dondi San Jose of team MOHS Racing/MATONETICS. The trio kept the pressure on, but Aquino emerged as the victor, clinching his hard-fought 1^st place. Medina came in 2^nd, followed by San Jose in 3^rd.

As of this writing, the official points tally has not been presented yet. We’ll update this report as soon as we get the official points tally. But from what transpired during Round 1, Inigo Anton is showing a strong pace and is someone to look out for in the next coming battles.

Catch the action again as the 2023 Tuason Racing Formula V1 Race Challenges moves on to Round 2. This will happen on July 21-22, still at CIS. The 2023 Formula V1 is made possible by its proud sponsors and media partners showcased on the event poster below.

Photos by randolph de Leon and Tuason Racing