Formula Asia, also known asAsian Formula 2000, was a class ofopen wheelformula racing. The formula used anArgo chassis coupled with a 16-valve Ford Zetec 1,800cc engine.
There was only one championship held in Asia from 1994 until 2002, organized and promoted by Motorsport Asia Ltd. It was established to assist young Asian drivers make the transition from karting to European formulae such as Formula Ford and Formula Renault. Rounds were held in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China. A special invitation race was also held annually at theMacau Grand Prix. It was replaced byFormula BMW Asia in 2003.
Japanese female driverKeiko Ihara finished third in the AF2000 race at the 2002 Macau Grand Prix, becoming the first woman on the podium in the event's 50-year history.[1]
Drivers who have taken part in Formula Asia include:Michael Vergers,Narain Karthikeyan,Alex Yoong,Ananda Mikola,Bagoes Hermanto,Takuma Sato,Mark Goddard,Parthiva Sureshwaren,Karun Chandhok,Denis Lian,Jim Ka To andDanny Watts.[2]
The cars were later used as a support class with theAsian Formula Three cars.
Narain Karthikeyan
Bagoes Hermanto
Ben Walsh
Nattapong Horthongkum
Ng Wai-LeongKarun Chandhok
Denis Lian
Takuma Sato
Philippe DescombesPhilippe Descombes[3]
Danny Watts[4]