Filipino racing prodigy and Baguio’s pride Iñigo Anton took the overall championship lead in the Formula Trophy Malaysia after winning Race 1 and finishing second in Race 3 during the competition’s second round at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.

The 22-year-old AXLE Sports driver also topped practice sessions, secured pole position, and recorded the weekend’s fastest lap as he bounced back strongly from a difficult opening round.

Anton converted his pole position into a victory in Race 1, finishing ahead of Xcel Motorsport’s Timo Jüngling and AXLE Sports teammate Jaime Ambrose.

LN4 Fusion’s Jesse Phillips won Race 2, followed by Chen Sicong and Rafael Vaessen.

Anton returned to the podium in Race 3, finishing second behind Jüngling. His combined results propelled him to the top of the championship standings heading into the season finale.

“After a really heartbreaking Round 1, we knew we had to come back stronger,” Anton said.

“The team worked tirelessly, and everything just fell perfectly into place this weekend. I kept the faith and God pulled me through.”

Former Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong manages AXLE Sports, while his son, racing driver Alister Yoong, coached Anton during the Sepang round.

Anton credited the team’s hard work for his strong performance.

“I want to give a massive thanks to Alex Yoong and the entire AXLE Sports team. They worked so hard to get to where we are now and I dedicate this win to the whole team,” he said.

The lone Filipino on the grid, Anton competed against a field that included Phillips, Oleksandr Bondarev, and Jüngling.

He also acknowledged the sponsors who supported his entry into Formula 4 racing: Charlie Ong of Infiniteserv, Motul, Alpinestars, Yokohama, Timemaster Watches, Blue Coffee Distributor, and AAP Motorsports.

Anton now heads into the season finale aiming to retain his championship lead. (Baguio PIO)