The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Another very young Filipino driver made his first international racing debut in the last stages of the exciting Formula 4 South East Asia Series Championship last weekend at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
As of press time, the 19-year-old Inigo Anton, who recently received a monicker “Fast Filipino,” competed against highly-competitive international drivers in what was billed as a “thrilling chapter in the young racer’s career”
“I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life for this opportunity, and it finally happening! I am grateful for this chance to compete in Formula cars and I owe it all to the people who have helped me along the way. My family, my coaches, my team’s sponsors and supporters, everyone has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this debut race possible. I will continue to do my very best for all of you!” Inigo said during the media conference at the Manila Yacht Club.
Former F1 racer Alex Yoong took Inigo under his racing team and he was enthusiastic on what the results would be for his protégé in the said event. “Inigo is one of the most talented drivers I’ve worked with, from gymkhana to representing the Philippines in e-sports to winning in real life circuit racing. I’m super excited to see if he can now succeed with single-seaters in the future. For now, it’s a big step with practically no testing except in the simulator so it will be a huge learning curve for him. We will go easy and focus on getting the experience this round and building for the future.”
Inigo is being ably supported by his father Carlos, a champion race-driver himself, and mother Karen, who serves as his manager. Both of them were with Inigo fielding questions during the said media conference.
“Racing is mentally exhausting sport, nerve-wracking, but I still manage to focus. Unknown to many, it is a team sport where you need the support of all the members of the team in order to win,” said Inigo, whose family is based in Baguio.
Two of the major supporters of Inigo among others – Motul Philippines Infiniteserv International and Time Master – were also present during the said event and expressed their full support.
Infiniteserv Phils. marketing head Peter Yung said: “Motul Philippines recognizes Inigo’s incredible talents and unwavering commitment to motorsports which aligns perfectly with the brand’s core values. Inigo has been winning in all the racing championships he has joined here in the Philippines and we believe that he is ready to conquer the international stage.”
Inigo’s former teammate and also the son of Sen. Grace Poe, Brian Po Llamanzares, is the president of top supporter Time Master Watches who expressed pride in being close to him. “I’m proud to be able to help promote my former teammate’s F4 debut. I have no doubt that Inigo will bring great pride to the Philippines. He is a fantastic brand ambassador for Time Master Watches and our other companies have been continuously supporting the future of sports in the Philippines.”