S’pore driver dedicates podium finish at Sepang to Mr Lee Kuan Yew

SEPANG — To honour the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the Malaysian Grand Prix, Claire Jedrek had her FD2 Honda Mungen emblazoned with the ribbon founding Singapore Prime Minister and drove the race of her life in a support race at Sepang today (March 29).

It turned out to be a remarkable six-lap race for the sole female driver who, flying the only Singapore flag among the competing 49 cars, crossed the finish second to share the podium with Malaysians Alan Wong and Desmond Khoo, the respective winning and third place drivers.

Emotional after receiving her second-place trophy in the first round of the Malaysian Super Series (MSS) at Sepang, the 32-year-old said her race was dedicated to Mr Lee.

“I wanted to pay my respects at Parliament House but I had to come here and meet my team of mechanis early on Wednesday to prepare for the race,” said the British national who has lived in Singapore since she was 11 and is now a permanent resident.

“It’s been an emotional time for all of us back home and my team rushed to make sure my car had Mr Lee’s ribbon on it.”

With Singapore mourning, the former Cedar Secondary School student drove an inspired race and driving only in her second season of competitive racing, the result was remarkable.

In her debut in the MSS last year, she managed a best result of seventh in the last and fifth round and finished 13th overall.

“Mr Lee’s story has inspired everyone in Singapore and I’ll be carrying our national flag for all five rounds this year in memory of him.”