Richard Bradley is 2010 Formula BMW Pacific Champion

Richard Bradley

Richard Bradley of Singapore clinched the 2010 Formula BMW Pacific Drivers’ Championship and Rookie Cup titles after winning Round 13 at the Okayama International Circuit. Having led the championship right from the start, the 19-year-old Eurasia Motorsport driver never lost his hold on the lead and firmly sealed the 2010 season with one more race in Japan this weekend and the season finale at the 57th Macau Grand Prix in three weeks.

Bradley caught up to second place after starting in fourth place on the grid and went in hot pursuit of race leader Yuichi Nakayama, who qualified in pole position. Although Nakayama crossed the finish line first, the win was awarded to Bradley as Nakayama was faulted for a technical infringement.

Extending his lead to 62 points, Bradley convincingly clinched the championship as only 41 points are left on offer for the remainder of the season. Before this race, the only other driver in contention for both titles was Oscar Tunjo of Columbia.

“It’s an amazing feeling and I’m thrilled to have won the championship. Now there’s no pressure on me for the last two races and I can finally have a proper aggressive race without worrying about the consequences. Consistency was key throughout this season and I have the team to thank for this great learning process," said a triumphant Bradley.

Bradley started his rookie single-seater season with a bang when he clinched back-to-back victories in Rounds 1 and 2 of the Formula BMW Pacific Championship which were held as support races to the Formula 1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix. Thereafter he gained five more victories over the next four race meetings, winning the overall championship before the end of the season.