Sami Selio from Finland wins final two rounds of championship series
After eight years, during which time the names of Italian Guido Cappellini and American Scott Gillman dominated the world Formula I championship series, this year’s title has been won by Finnish driver Sami Selio. After winning the final two rounds of the series in the UAE he left for home on Sunday having won the title by a mere four points over Cappellini.
Guido Cappellini came into the event at the end of an 18 year racing career hoping to gain his tenth world title. He only needed to finish sixth of higher but was forced to retire with a blown engine in the closing stages.
“I woke up this morning not knowing I would both win and see Guido break down,” said Sami after the race. “It’s unbelievable but at the same time I have to thank all the people who have supported me, including my sponsors and pit crew, who have steered me to this ultimate moment. This, hopefully, will be the start of a long and close friendship with the championship trophy.”
While the “Finnish Flyer” was out front extending his lead, a battle royal for the second podium position was heating up for Jay Price of the Qatar Team. He had fought his way up from sixth passing everyone except Selio to finally finish just 2.41 seconds astern. The native of New Orleans, Louisiana earned his second career runner-up position and his third overall podium. So ended his season well placed for the 2008 scheduled opening event in Doha in just three months time.
Finishing third to gain the second career podium was Australian David Trask. The XPV Racing team driver pushed hard throughout this final round to finish with a total of 31 points to fill seventh place on the final championship t
