Asaro Qualifies Superbly at Brands Hatch

Canadian Hoping to End Season with Victory

September 27, 2003 (Toronto, Canada): Billy Asaro was sensational today, qualifying third and sixth for a pair of British Formula 3 Championship races at Brands Hatch. Tomorrow’s races will mark the end of the 2003 series, which has been a test of perseverance for the 21-year-old Canadian.

In the first qualifying session, Asaro was thrilled with the set up he and his P1 Motorsport team had achieved, posting the sixth-fastest time to grid on the third row for the first of tomorrow’s races. The car was so good, he asked his crew not to make any changes ahead of the second session.

“After the first session, I knew the car was there and that any additional speed would have to come from me,” said Asaro, who believes he could have set the best time of the second session. “I was on a lap that would have put me on pole, but had to abort because of a slower car. Still, third is excellent and it’s nice to know I have the speed to run at the front tomorrow.”

Asaro reported a huge sense of accomplishment today as the 2003 season has been a difficult uphill struggle. He has often qualified well, only to have things come unravelled during races, but confidence never waned within himself or the team.

“This is a very competitive series,” Asaro said. “Every driver here is extremely talented and going faster than the next guy is a matter of experience. Testing is a big factor, but, unlike many other drivers here, I don’t have a limitless budget to go test whenever I want. I’m proud of what we have accomplished this year with a new team and a limited testing program.

“I’m so happy for the crew. They’ve worked really hard all year and it was great to come back into pitlane and see them jumping up and down.”

Given Asaro’s previous results at Brands Hatch, many eyes will be on him tomorrow. Last year, in the British Formula 3 Scholarship class, he scored a victory and a third-place finish there. He also won last year’s season finale (at Donington Park) and hopes to repeat that feat this year.

Races are scheduled to begin at noon and 4:25pm tomorrow.