WITH A PASS ON THE PENULTIMATE lap of the 2009 Formula 3 Australian Drivers’ Championship season, AmPro Tools Astuti Motorsport driver Mathew Sofi ensured he finished his career best season with a flourish.

The pass on former champion Tim Macrow elevated the Sydney driver to third place in the 2009 Formula 3 Sandown SuperPrix race and capped off a season that saw Mat take his first ever race win and two pole positions – including one at the weekend.

Sofi worked his way through a brand-new elimination style format that decided the SuperPrix grid, and entered the ‘quick six’ shootout for pole knowing he had a fast car.

He then bumped Joey Foster off the top spot at the end of the session by fractions of a second to secure his second pole of the year.

On a wet circuit, Sofi’s AmPro Tools Dallara broke into wheel spin on the start of the 22-lap SuperPrix causing him to be swamped by the hungry grid on the long run down towards turn one. Sofi dropped to fourth, though was able to remain well in touch with the leading trio before making his move on Macrow before the end of the race.

The end results this season saw Sofi accumulate one win, nine podium finishes, two pole positions, three fastest laps and 192 championship points – a result that saw him third in the standings at the end of the season.

At the end of season presentation night Mat was presented the 3rd place trophy by CAMS chairman, Mr. Andrew Papadopoulos.

“It’s been a very challenging, very tough but overall a rewarding season overall,” Mat Sofi said.

“Obviously we had designs on things bigger than third place, but the way it all worked out in the end this is a good result for me and our team. The competition was tough and I think I’ve improved substantially as a driver both on and off the circuit.

“It was nice to break through for that first ever race win, and show consistent speed across the year. It’s nice to go away from the year knowing that you were one of the fastest cars at each round, whether we won or not.”

Sofi was quick to praise his hard working team at Astuti Motorsport for their efforts this season.

“They are an awesome team and have done a fantastic job,” he said.

“Credit to Sam Astuti and his boys who all work extremely hard to prepare a good, fast car. They have proved that they can step up this weekend because they ran three cars that all had front running pace.

“Thanks also to my fantastic sponsors this season. It’s been great to have AmPro Tools on board as a major partner and to have the chance to work with them to build both their brand and ours. I think it’s been a successful relationship and I hope Richard McLean and the team there think the same.

“We’ve also had huge support from Errea Clothing, Transwest Insurance Brokers and our fantastic group of supporters and partners. Without them we couldn’t have had the year we did.”

Mat Sofi will now assess his options for 2010 however is committed to remaining involved long-term with the Formula 3 Australian Drivers’ Championship as a member of the Future Directions steering committee, implemented this season.  

Mat Sofi would like to thank the support of AmPro Tools, Transwest Insurance Brokers, Gemelle Ristorante Italiano, Errea, 1927, De Janerio Fitness, Performance Friction Brakes, Sniper, Luton Smash Repairs and Total.

For more information head to www.mathewsofi.com