London-based Weiron switching to single-seater racing

PETALING JAYA: Up-and-coming Malaysian driver Weiron Tan will take the big step to single-seater car racing when he competes in the JK Racing Asia Series this year.

The 17-year-old, who is now based in London, will compete full time in the series (formerly known as BMW Pacific Asia) starting in May with the Eurointernational team.

The Kuala Lumpur-born Weiron is in his first full season in single-seater racing cars as he makes the step up from karts.

He began racing at the age of 13 in go-karts and began professional go-karting in 2008.

By joining forces with Eurointernational, Weiron has set himself up for the best possible year.

The Italian outfit took the 2011 JKRAS team championship, driver’s overall and rookie championship honours with Lucas Auer.

The team also have the biggest achievement in Formula BMW history, having collected 72 wins and 92 podiums.

Weiron was the only Malaysian to be signed to the AirAsia Caterham Driver Development Programme last year.

Alex Yoong, who is Caterham F1 Team head of driver development, expects Weiron to make a seamless transition from go-kart to cars.

“Weiron has been on our programme for two years now and is making the big step up to cars this year. He has been one of the most promising karting talents to come out of Asia and we are excited to see how he progresses this year. His work ethic is excellent,” said the former Formula 1 driver.

The series will comprise 16 races this year and Malaysia will host the first four races at Sepang from May 25-27.

It is also confirmed that the series will head to Europe for the first time and will be run at two of the most historic and legendary race circuits in the world – Paul Ricard (Le Castellet) in the South of France followed by Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.