Formula V6 Asia Series, set to change the face of the sport in the region will feature 12 rounds with the first four rounds to be run in Malaysia.

For the first time, Southeast Asian-based drivers will be able to progress from karting, through the ranks of junior single seaters, and step up to a programme specifically designed to groom them for the pinnacle of international motorsport - Formula One.

Formula V6 Asia by Renault will give these drivers a chance to develop in the very highest category of single-seater racing below Formula One without leaving the region.

Formula V6 Asia is the most technologically advanced car in its category and has one objective: to train drivers, engineers, mechanics and team managers on their way up to Formula 1. The car with 370bhp, 3.5i 24 valve V6 engine with speeds reaching up to 275kph aims to increase performance while limiting costs, enhance safety and make the Formula V6 Asia powered by Renault as the choice series for all serious single-seater drivers in Asia. The Series will also allow these drivers the opportunity to drive on some of the best circuits in Asia and be part of the Asian Festival of Speed events, the leading motorsport event in Asia.

This Series will join the existing series that are currently organised by MAL namely the Asian Touring Car Championship, Formula BMW Asia Series and the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Series in its very own race weekend, the Asian Festival of Speed.

Among those who have grabbed the chance to race in this newly launched series is F1 hopeful Marchy Lee from Hong Kong and India’s Karun Chandok, current driver for the Indian A1 Grand Prix Team.