Cappellini finishes behind but takes his seventh world title at the Grand Prix of Malaysia
talian Massimo Roggiero (Dac/Mercury) won the Grand Prix of Malaysia, the seventh round of the Formula I championship in Kuala Lumpur, on August 18. But it was a result which left fellow Italian Guido Cappellini (Dac/Mercury) with the 2002 World title.
Roggiero led from the start and never looked back. Cappellini, who qualified third on the grid, passed Scott Gillman (Dac/Mercury) from the United States and then went on to defend the stern of team-mate Roggiero.
Guido Cappellini held back in second place knowing he only had to finish in the leading pack to give him an unassailable lead in the championship. He eventually crossed the line 3.5 seconds behind the overall winner so adding a further 15 points to his massive score.
Scott Gillman held third place until the end but it was no easy event. Almost half of the 21 starters failed to finish due to one problem or another but with four races still to be contended the battle among the runners-up will be as fierce as ever.
Cappellini now has a total score of 115 points. Scott Gillman lies second with 51, 64 points behind. The only way the championship could now be altered is for Gillman to win all remaining rounds with Cappellini finishing lower than 10th. As the Italian ace has already achieved five wins and a second placing in the seven races held so far, such an outcome is unimaginable.
The next round, the Irish Grand Prix, will be held in Waterford on September 15.
