Shah Alam, Malaysia - Monday March 21st. 2005 ... Seventeen year-old driver James Russell, in only his second single-seater race, upstaged several experienced racers to take a podium spot in yesterday's "Silverstone Formula Malaysia" F1 Support Race at the Sepang F1 Circuit. James' entry was made possible by support from Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd., plus backing for the race from Silverstone Tires.

James' excellent performance was encouraging given the strength of the international field, and the fact he was able to participate in only one brief practice session. But, during Saturday's practice and qualifying sessions, his times improved steadily by one second a lap, and he was able to qualify in fifth at the end of the day. From his position on the third row of the grid, James unfortunately moved a fraction of a second too soon as the five red lights went out, and he was assessed a ten second penalty. But, by obeying frantic signs from the pit wall to increase his pace, he was able to open up a seventeen second gap over fourth place finisher Raja Razman.

The top step of the podium, at the end of the ten laps of Sepang's awesome 5.44km circuit, was occupied by Australian Charlie Charles, with Finland's Mikko Nassi taking second. James was more than happy to take away the trophy for third place, along with a set of Silverstone tires, plus a magnum of champagne which he is unfortunately too young to drink!

At the end of the race, his manager and father Paul Russell commented "We're really grateful to Tan Chong Motor for the financial assistance they have provided. Hopefully more Malaysian companies will take note of this, and step in to support young drivers. Gaining a podium placing, we hope, will be a good reward for Tan Chong's support" he concluded.

James, who has already experienced many types of motorsport, winning trophies in karting and rally co-driving, will return to the wheel of his SR Motorsport Subaru Impreza in less than two weeks' time. Competing as a driver in the Malaysian Rally Championship, he will need to switch his style from the smooth flowing discipline of a race car driver, to the rather rougher challenges of Malaysia's gravel plantation roads. A solid performance should see him move up from his current third in class placing, hopefully challenging for a class win by the end of the year. In the Rally Championship James is co-driven by experienced Englishman Tim Sturla, who is very impressed by James' potential.

Having a chance to compete in a race as prestigious as the Silverstone Formula Malaysia support race has helped provide James with valuable all-round experience, and will enable him to excel in either a race or rally discipline as his career develops.