Race driver all revved up to go the extra mile

SEPANG: Asia’s top female race driver Natasha Seatter may model part-time but she is not just a pretty face in the Malaysian Super Series (MSS).

Denied glory by mechanical problems in the final two rounds last year, Seatter is kicking off her second season with renewed conviction – and an upgraded Radical SR8 car.

“I’m really looking forward to kicking off my campaign this weekend and am very proud to be racing at the F1 weekend in Sepang, which is my home race.

“Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is my home circuit and I thank SIC for all the support they have given me over the years. They continue to support my development in becoming the most successful Asian female race driver,” said the 21-year-old, who was born in Miri, in a statement here yesterday.

In preparation for the new season, Seatter said the team had installed new gears to the Radical machine as well as a host of other mechanical adjustments to increase its reliability.

“I hope to win a few rounds at the MSS this year,” she said.

The 13th edition of the MSS opened yesterday at the 2014 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix in Sepang as one of the support races.

Seatter finished in third place during the qualifying session yesterday, behind Phil Callow, who took pole position, and Adrian D. Silva in second place.

Leading the championship after three rounds in her debut season last year, Seatter failed to score a single point in the remaining two rounds, reducing her to a second place in overall finish behind Hong Kong’s Angus Kirkwood in the GT Open Championship.

Kirkwood will not be racing this year which raises hopes for a good show for Seatter.

Seatter, one of the only two ladies racing in the MSS this year, hopes to use the series to gain more mileage for her GT season in Korea and her ultimate goal of becoming the first woman to compete in the Australian V8 Supercar Series in 2016/17.

The opening round of MSS will feature two sprint races, offering a maximum 50 points to be won over the weekend.

The opening race is today while Race 2 will be held tomorrow morning.