KUALA LUMPUR: FIA Formula 4 South East Asia (F4SEA) chief executive officer Peter Thompson has tipped the promising Muizz Musyaffa to become a serious title contender in the series next season.
Despite competing in only two rounds this season, both held at Sepang, Muizz showed impressive form in the final round where he secured pole in qualifying and won the last race of the season.
Thompson said that was an impressive feat considering Muizz’s inexperience in the F4SEA car.
Muizz had been karting in Europe earlier this year and has not competed in a formula car before.
"I think it is fantastic that a Malaysian driver won the last event," said Thompson, when met in Kuala Lumpur today.
"He only joined us for one event (round) ago. In total he did only seven hours of testing throughout this year and won the race which is a fantastic result.
"Everybody is talking about his results, I believe he is odds on favourite to go to Monaco (for FIA prize-giving ceremony) in December and receive the (championship) trophy from Mr Jean Todt (FIA president)."
The new season of F4 SEA, which is supported by Petron, will kick off with the opening round at Sepang on July 7. Sepang will also host the season-ender on Nov 1-2.
Entering its third edition, the series will feature eight rounds including a new stop in India for the first time, in addition to Thailand.