22-yr.-old Baguio racer storms to two podium finishes in Malaysia, captures maiden F4 victory

SPORTS

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Baguio City’s 22-year-old racer Iñigo Navarrete Anton delivered an impressive performance in the second round of the Formula Trophy Malaysia (FTM), securing two podium finishes, including his first-ever victory in the series, at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit in Selangor, Malaysia.

Anton topped the opening race on November 7 after starting from pole position, clocking 30 minutes and 45.52 seconds to finish 1.4 seconds ahead of British driver Timo Jungling.

He finished ninth in the second race, trailing race winner Jesse Phillips of Germany’s LN4 Fusion by 11.10 seconds. Phillips posted a winning time of 30 minutes and 42 seconds.

The Baguio racer bounced back in Race 3 on November 8, taking second place just 2.455 seconds behind Jungling, who claimed his first victory of the round.

Anton’s two podium finishes highlighted a strong campaign in the junior single-seater Formula 4 championship, which features international racing teams, including Axle Sports, Evans GP, Pinnacle Motorsport, LN4 Fusion, Black Blade Racing and Xcel Motorsport.

In a Facebook post on November 9, Anton revealed that his participation in the second round was initially uncertain, as he and his family had decided to withdraw from the championship just 10 days before the races.

However, Axle Sports team manager Alex Yoong encouraged him to compete and helped make his participation possible, giving Anton the opportunity to deliver his breakthrough performance.

“These past weeks was a roller coaster of emotions for my family and me. Just 10 days ago, we had pulled out of the championship, but my team manager Alex Yoong F1 of Axle Sports insisted that I race and found a way for me to do so. He told me that I would win. We took the opportunity and from there we prepared as hard as we could and the rest all fell into place,” Anton said.

He also thanked Axle Sports for its continued support and guidance, as well as Infiniteserv International Corp., which supported his Formula 4 journey three years ago.

Anton said the support he received played a part in making his latest achievement possible.

He likewise encouraged others to remain determined despite setbacks and continue believing in their abilities.

“No matter what life throws at you, just always remember to never stop believing and always keep achieving,” he added.

Anton’s victory and second-place finish in Malaysia mark another milestone in his racing career, as he continues to carry the Philippine flag in international motorsports.