Cash-strapped Yoong breaks into top 400

13/05/1998

ALEX YOONG may have the backing of world renowned racing manager John
Thornburn, who has taken him out of the doldrums to be among the world's
top 500 racers today.
But his budding career is likely to come to an abrupt end. He might not
even finish the Formula Three season in Europe due to financial
difficulties.
"Since I started managing Alex, he has improved beyond everybody's
expectations. From an unknown, he is now the driver to beat in Formula
Three," said Thornburn, who is in Kuala Lumpur with Yoong to secure deals
with Petronas and Redbull.
"When I first met Alex six months ago, he could hardly come out of the
car standing after 20 laps. But today, even after 90 laps, Alex can still
afford to smile and crack jokes."
Thornburn is a racing veteran who started in 1956 and has managed Nigel
Mansell in Formula Ford and Formula Three, former Formula One world
champion Keke Rosberg and a host of notable drivers who have become
household names around the world.
And he predicts that Yoong has a Formula One future, and is prepared to
train him to the top of the podium.
"After six rounds in the British Formula Three championship, I'm now
ranked 373rd out of the world's top 500 racing drivers. This is a first
for Malaysian motorsport history," said Yoong.
Yoong hopes to achieve a ranking within the top 300 by the end of the
year.
"My target this year is to finish in the top eight of the British
Formula Three championship. This will ensure a top 100 world ranking for
me next year as Jonny Kane, the 1996 British F-3 champion, is now ranked
52nd in the world," he said.
"He has even surprised the physical examiners in England with his
remarkable progress in a short span. It would be a pity if Alex has to cut
short and return home due to financial difficulties," said Thornburn.
Yoong is looking to secure STG300,000 to complete the season. For next
year, when he attempts to get his Super Licence and race in Formula One,
he will need about STG450,000.
(END)