12 December 2010 - KANGAR, PERLIS - Muhammad Rafiq is the 2010 Malaysian Rally champion.
Karamjit Singh was simply too fast and too good in the fourth and final round of the 2010 Malaysia Rally in Kangar but still it wasn't good enough to land him the overall title.
Instead it was Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya in a Subaru Impreza who finally got the crown which he deserved even though he and his co-driver Sean Gregory, could only managed third overall in Kangar over two tough rounds amidst treacherous conditions.
The hard work for Muhammad Rafiq had been done much earlier in the opening leg in Johor Baru and then Jempol, Negeri Sembilan and also Kuala Terengganu, which left him in a unbeatable position as the final round got underway on Saturday.
With a very healthy lead going into Kangar, Muhammad Rafiq who is racing under the MRU banner took it easy and finished third on both days for an overall total of 55 points.
Karamjit's effort in Kangar which saw him and co-driver Douglas Pickering in a Mitsubishi Lancer under the GSR Pennzoil banner, swept past the field on both days with no close challenger in sight.
Gunaseelan Rajoo and Jagdev Singh in a Mitsubishi Lancer under the GSR Pennzoil Team tried but they knew Karamjit was unbeatable they ended up second best to Karamjit with a good four minute deficit over the two legs across the muddy terrain in Kangar.
Karamjit and Pickering wrapped up the series on a total of 32 points to finish second overall with Andrew Miller from Hong Kong in a Subaru Impreza came in third overall on 23 points.
"I lost the overall crown because of the mechanical failures I had suffered in Johor Baru and Kuala Terengganu. Otherwise things could have turned out differently.”
"Maybe it's time I get a newer car, a more reliable one and mount a
serious challenge next season. Maybe a newer and more reliable car will help" said Karamjit.
For Muhammad Rafiq, Karamjit is still the man to beat if he harbors hope another crown next season.
"He is such a talented driver and it will get harder for me too next year.
I am sure he has revenge on his mind. But for now I can savour my victory
until next year" said Muhammad Rafiq.
Ends
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