SAITO WINS 2013 ACHILLES FORMULA DRIFT ASIA OPENER

April 30, 2013 1:42 PM AWST

Japanese drift star Daigo Saito won the Achilles Formula Drift Asia season opening round at Calder Park on the weekend. Saito triumphed over a strong field saw international competitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and New Zealand, as well as Japan, all battling it out with each other and a group of Aussies.

In his Achilles Radial Lexus IS C, the current Formula Drift Asia and USA champion fended off a spirited challenge by Australian Tom Monkhouse to win Sunday's final. Australian Josh Boettcher finished in third place, followed by Fredric Aasbo from Norway.

Monkhouse, who was running a borrowed car for the event, took it up to Saito, but the champion was just too good, demonstrating the smooth, faultless style and uncanny selection of lines that has been "Ninja" Saito's trademark.

Despite the weekend event being Saito's first time driving at Calder Park, he said he quickly felt at one with the layout.

"I had a fantastic time this weekend and am very happy with the result," the 32-year-old said.

"It was a great battle with Tom and now I'm looking forward to the next round."

Round two of the three-leg Formula Drift Asia season takes place on June 29 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Further details at http://formuladriftasia.com