Fariqe visited Brands Hatch for two sessions last Friday (Oct 3) on the world-famous 1.2 mile Indy circuit, familiarising himself with the notorious blind drop that is Paddock Hill Bend and the tight hairpin at Druids.

Accompanying Fariqe as he attempts to get to grips with the Proton Impian around the UK tracks is international race instructor Richard Lester, who has worked with the youngster throughout his career.

“I know his driving style well and I’ve seen him progress as a driver. We’ve been in the UK a couple of weeks now. We did Thruxton, Snetterton and Oulton Park last week, we’re here at Brands now, so we’ve got quite a lot to do still but we will get around the rest of the BTCC circuits before we go home in a couple of weeks time.”

“The main aim is just to give Fariqe experience on the circuits. We’re running on used tyres with the engine restricted at the moment. No one is denying that it is going to be a huge challenge for Fariqe, but the early results have been very promising. I think it has caused quite a stir, because no-one knows who Fariqe is – everyone has stopped and taken notice.”

“I am enjoying the project and have high hopes for next year. The new car has been radically re-designed with a new cage, major improvements to the suspension and it should be a lot lighter as well, so it’s looking very good, even at this early stage.”

“Fariqe has had a few good races this year. He’s driven the Honda and has done some Formula Ford races as well, which has all been good experience. We are evaluating a number of drivers for the second seat, and we should know who it will be fairly soon.”

After his first experience of the Brands Hatch Indy circuit, Fariqe emerged from the Impian with a huge smile on his face, saying, “It’s a great circuit. It’s very short and there aren’t that many places where you can overtake. It’s very different to the other circuits I have driven so far. I really enjoyed it though. I’m quite pleased with the lap-time I did as well.”