GT Radial Eurasia Motorsport concluded season one of the E1 Championship this evening with another strong showing from its young Filipino driver lineup of Inigo Anton and Joaquin ‘Wakkeen’ Garrido. The final round took place at the Nurburgring Formula 1 circuit, yielding a pole position and a best race result of fourth position.
The second season of the eSports championship comprised of eight rounds with both Inigo and Wakkeen featuring heavily, but while they showed plenty of pace and potential, they ultimately were unable to take to the top step of the podium.
While it was disappointing not to take victory, both of the racers continue to learn and develop as drivers, working with the GT Radial Eurasia Motorsport team in terms of not just sim racing, but by working with the team’s real-life race engineer Tan Lip Han, as well as with team management.
The final round of the season took place at the former home of Formula 1 in Germany, at the Nurburgring Grand Prix circuit. Featuring a technical sector one, the lap opens up as it progresses, providing a challenge to the teams and drivers, both in terms of aero setup and tyre wear.
With P1 is practice, followed by pole position, the evening’s eSports’s event couldn’t have started better for Inigo. From the front, he retained his position into the first turn from Kaylen Chin, but a lap later, the Blackwolf racer was able to pick up the tow, and breeze by into turn one.
Inigo knew he had a battle on his hands at the front of the field, he was also equally aware that he was wheel to wheel with the championship leaders. Whilst wishing to push on and aim for a podium position, he was also conscious that any slip-up could result in a penalty, costing him valuable championship points.
Ultimately, slight contact heading into the chicane cost Inigo momentum, losing position to Naquib Azlan, and it was then a case of a safe fourth position. “A good result again, but we knew Kalen Chin would be our biggest competitor,” Inigo told the series live. “He was able to pull away and from there I was following and not being in the championship, we played it a little safe to bring it home P4. Our race pace has been great and we’re always right up there!”
Tenth to sixth followed in the main race to conclude the season, while teammate Wakkeen continues to show his second-season progress to lead Inigo Anton early on before finishing in 14th position.
“A good end to the season with pole position and for Inigo demonstrating we have a quick car,” stated Team Principal Mark Goddard. “Inigo just needs to find a little more race speed and better racecraft and he can be a championship contender.
“Joaquin is showing improved race pace and he will certainly be a star in the near future. Many thanks to GT Radial for their fantastic support and to Han our race engineer who spends countless hours practising with the drivers between each event. We hope to be back for season two!”
