The organisers conducted a quick Q&A with one of the drivers taking part this weekend, Formula Drift Thailand 2010 champion Saranon.
Saranon is considered one of the pioneers of the drift scene in Thailand and has been taking part in competitions for the past five years. His gentle demeanour off the track is in line with smooth driving style on track. One of Thailand’s most popular drifters, he is the team captain for the M150 drift squad. Incidentally, Non learned drifting from his fellow countrymen and on-track rival, Kiki Sak Nana during their college days in England. Today, they share a friendly but fierce rivalry as the lead representatives of Thailand’s top energy drink manufacturers.
Among the 32-year-old Bangkok native's career highlights include winning Formula Drift Thailand 2010, and coming in second overall in the Formula Drift Asia standings in 2010. Saranon uses a 2000 Nissan Silvia S15, sponsored by his team Overdrive M150, for competitions.
Saranon is a longtime rival of defending Formula Drift Singapore and Asia champion Tengku Djan, who will sit out this year's Formula Drift Singapore due to technical problems with his car, and organisers asked Saranon a few questions ahead of this weekend's action.
Saranon Q&A
Q: Is this your first time in VIP Formula Drift Singapore 2011 Presented by Achilles Radial?
A: Yes, this is my first time competing in Formula Drift Singapore. I have been to Singapore before but never to drift.
Q: How do you feel about your chances in this year’s VIP Formula Drift Singapore 2011 Presented by Achilles Radial?
A: I am really excited at being part of the competition this year in Singapore. I am looking forward to competing against drift drivers from not only Asia but also Japan and USA. It will be good to test my skills against international stars such as Daigo Saito. I will try to do my best this year and will be hoping to score a podium placing in the race.
Q: How would you rate your last season?
A: I actually achieved what I expected from myself last year. I wanted to be champion of Formula Drift Thailand and I managed to achieve that. I only took part in two out of the three races in Formula Drift Asia last year, Malaysia and Thailand and missed Singapore. Last year I came second in the overall championship, so this year I hope by competing in Singapore I will get to win the 2011 championship title.
Q: How do you feel about the defending champion and your closest rival Tengku Djan not taking part in this year’s competition?
A: I was hoping to see him there this year. I am very disappointed to hear that he will not be competing in the competition. Every champion wants to beat the best and I was looking forward to having a close fight with Tengku, he will be missed as he is a good driver.
Interview courtesy of Formula Drift Singapore.
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