The Korean challenge in the 2005 Asian Touring Car Championship presented itself 650 metres above sea level at the Taebaek race track this weekend.

The week saw mixed weather conditions from scorching heat to torrential rain increase the challenge for the team as it fought hard to find the right setup in its first trip to the circuit. This was a maiden trip that would see Fariqe win Round 8 of the ATCC.

Practice and qualifying sessions saw little incident other than meticulous preparation from the team as it sought to fine-tune the setup to improve the cars. The very long and fast last corner coupled with the scorching track temperatures made conserving the tyres a top priority for the team. This forced the team to find the right compromise between outright pace and a pace that would last the race distance.

Fariqe and Mashlino worked hand-in-hand to experiment with different racing lines and setups, and their collective efforts rewarded them with 2nd and 3rd on the starting grid for both races respectively, with less than 0.2 seconds separating the two.

Meanwhile, Syahrizal had to face increased pressure with the addition of 3 more Honda Civics in his class, but a cool and collected qualifying drive gave him a 4th place start for the first race and a 3rd place grid slot for the second race.

Proceeding on a hot and dry track, Race 1 got off to a rough start for the team when Mashlino’s clutch gave way at the start, deteriorating within a lap until it jammed the engine and put a stop to an otherwise strong drive from Mashlino. A stop-and-go penalty for Franz Engstler’s BMW saw Fariqe sneak into the lead, but the team suffered a second blow when Fariqe's front left tyre was punctured. Before he could pit for a change, the right front tyre busted, which caused Fariqe to lose control of the car, sending him into the wall.

Syahrizal was also having an extremely tough race being sandwiched between the faster 1800cc and 2000cc cars in his class, but he defiantly held his own in his 1600cc Civic and at the chequered flag he was classified 2nd in his class.

Mirroring the weather conditions, a dark cloud had settled over the team when the 2 broken BTC cars were towed back to the pits. To compound the team's woes, the weather took a turn for the worse when a storm broke out. The team used the time to work frantically on the cars and review the team’s strategy. With minutes to spare, the team managed to present 3 near show-room looking cars to the grid for race 2.

When the rain ceased and the track began to dry, the team elected to start on dry tyres for the 3 cars. Although not completely dry in some parts of the track, the 3 Team PSP drivers were in for a memorable drive in Race 2. Fariqe and Mashlino maintained strong pressure on the championship leader Franz Engstler, but Mashlino’s car began to lose power and started to fall back. In spite of this, Mashlino had fought hard to and had managed lap nearly half of the field by the time he crossed the chequered flag in third.

Fariqe was lapping within metres of Franz Engstler’s rear bumper, and as the race progressed into lap 16, Fariqe made a decisive move down the inside of the BMW in turn 1, and made his pass stick. Fariqe was taking no chances and proceeded to build on his lead, even setting the fastest race lap in the last lap of the race. The memorable drive saw him take the chequered flag in first.

David Wong, Team Principal, said:” Sunday was really a test of the team’s preparation, determination and perseverance. I’m very happy with the way the team bounced back after race 1. I think the 3 drivers have really done a good job this weekend, and the championship points they have all brought back were hard fought and well deserved.”

Fariqe Hairuman notes,” After my front tyres tore off the rims and I ended up in the wallin race 1, I shouted in anguish into the radio. After I passed Engstler in turn 1 and I won race 2, again I shouted into the radio, but this time in pure happiness!”

Mashlino Buang said, “ I was unlucky today, with an unusual clutch failure and a sudden loss of power robbed me of a better finish, but I know my pace and Japan is just weeks away! I’m ready!”

Mohammed Syahrizal comments, “ It was tiring trying to pass the car in front and simultaneously defend my position against the more powerful cars behind! But two second place finishes leave me good memories of Korea!”