Subhan set for rough drive in Argentine

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 03/13/2008 12:17 PM  |  Sports

Indonesian rally driver Muhammad Subhan Aksa and co-driver Hade Mboi said Wednesday they might face a rough ride in the second series of the Production Car World Rally Championship (PCWRC) in Argentina from March 28-30 due to a tough track and a weather challenge.

"The track is located 2,000 meters above sea level. The lack of oxygen in the air will pose problems to our engine as well as our driving performance," said the rookie, who was tested in his maiden rally in the first series in Sweden last month.

The car engine, he explained, needs oxygen for combustion and air intake to help cool down the heat under the hood. Any lack of oxygen could lead to engine failure.

"The lack of oxygen may also cause breathing difficulty for us that in turn can distract concentration," Subhan said.

He said the adverse conditions could undermine his performance by 40 percent.

"We will also find some snowy parts along the track," he said.

The three-day rally follows a 1,600-kilometer course.

"We will try our best to be consistent in order to maintain our position," added Subhan, who made a superb showing in his first debut by finishing 10th in Sweden.

Subhan and co-driver Hade, who will race for Indonesia's Bosowa Rally Team, will have just one day of practice to test the track and acclimatize.

"Despite such tough conditions, we hope that we can handle the problems and reach the top 10 target as we did in Sweden," he said on the sidelines of a ceremony seeing him appointed as an "AIDS Ambassador" by the National Commission for AIDS (KPA). Also receiving the special ambassador status was Hade Mboi, also the son of the commission's secretary-general Nafsiah Mboi.

Subhan said space on the car would be made available for advertising to benefit the work of the Commission. (nkn)

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