SEPANG (Malaysia), Nov 25: Switzerland’s Neel Jani on Sunday took his country to the top of the table by performing a grand double as Pakistan’s Adam Khan finished amongst top 20 in Sprint and Feature races in the third round of A1GP World Cup of Motorsport at the Sepang Circuit.
By doing so before a handsome holiday crowd, the Swiss equalled the feat of New Zealand’s Jonny Reid, who had won back-to-back events at Brno, Czech Republic, last month.
The Sepang Circuit has proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Swiss as he secured top place in the last season as well.
According to provisional results, Switzerland have accumulated 61 points on the completion of six of the 20 races. They are followed by the 2005-06 champions, France, who have mustered 51 points. The Kiwis who were on top have been pushed back to third slot with 45 points.
Defending champions Germany are lying at the eighth slot with 24 points.
Representing A1 Team Pakistan, Adam Khan, who had been unimpressive in the qualifiers and practice races on Saturday, improved his results. Riding his vehicle alongside 21 opponents under scorching heat, Adam crossed the finishing line on 18th position after completing 10 laps in the Sprint and was placed 15th in the 35-lap Feature races.
In fact, his position was further improved by one step in the Sprint race after the Netherlands were penalised for 42 seconds for a jumping start. The Dutch have appealed against the decision.
The British-born 22-year-old Pakistani, whose best finish was fifth in the 2005-06 Feature event in China, maintained his position most of the time.
The Swiss national anthem was played when the Malaysian Minister for Tourism awarded Jani the gold medal at the closing ceremony. He also pocketed US$300,000 for winning the two races.
The races started of with a display of Malaysian traditions showcased by local youth.
The scene has now moved to Zhuhai, China, where the fourth race of the season takes place from Dec 14 to 16.
Top-10 provisional finishers of Feature race: Switzerland, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, China, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain. (Pakistan was placed 15th).
Top-10 finishers in Sprint race: Switzerland, France, Germany, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Italy. (Pakistan was placed 17th).
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