We are in Zhuhai China for the 3rd and 4th round of the Audi R8 LMS Cup race series. The city of Zhuhai is located just a 1-hour ferry ride from Hong Kong airport and borders on the gambling capital Macau.
In the same weekend the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and the Scirocco Cup Asia races are also running. Audi being the newest participant in the gentleman race series has 16 teams racing. Audi GQ driver Alex Yoong of Malaysia, leads the battle for the inaugural championship title. The Audi R8 LMS car has already won more than 100 races globally since it started racing and there are more wins to come for sure. The car is set up to easily compete in any GT race globally and this allows professional drivers to easily exploit the car in each and every race.
The former Formula 1 driver will be looking to increase his six-point championship lead in Zhuhai. However, 22-year old rising star Adderly Fong of Hong Kong with KLM Team, whose gutsy performance in just his second career sportscar race saw him grab victory in Round 2, is just as determined to make a name for himself in the high-profile series. Three points behind Fong is fellow Hong Kong driver Marchy Lee with Audi Ultra. Twice on the podium in Shanghai, Lee has put his ill-luck in Round 2 firmly behind him, and is in fighting form heading to Zhuhai.
The rivalry between Yoong, Fong and Lee is set to intensify in Zhuhai, but there is plenty of talent amongst the 16-strong field ready and able to upset the trio’s party.
Says Yoong: “It’s been a great start to the championship, but it’s clear from the fierce on-track battles, especially in Round 2, that every last point is going to be hard-fought.”
Hong Kong superstar singer and actor Aaron Kwok, the official driver with Team Audi R8 LMS Cup, leads the Amateur category, having proven his racing mettle with a class win in Round 2.
Commented Director of Audi Sport customer racing in China, Rene Koneberg: “It’s been a delight to see such a thrilling, competitive start to the inaugural Audi R8 LMS Cup season. The level of competition all the way through the field makes the series exciting to watch and to be a part of. We’re delighted to be bringing this extraordinary new series to motorsport fans in Southern China.”
With its exciting mix of experienced professionals and fledging talent, the Audi R8 LMS Cup has already attracted attention far beyond China and Asia. As the marque’s first-ever one-make series, the Audi R8 LMS Cup aims to both showcase the best of Asian motorsport, and provide a platform for young talent to hone their skills.
Three titles will be up for grabs in 2012: The Audi R8 LMS Cup overall title, an Amateur category, and a Teams award, with each round points-scoring.
After Zhuhai the series travels to Ordos in Inner Mongolia, before returning to Zhuhai in September and on to Shanghai for the triumphant grand finale of the inaugural season in November.
Audi R8 LMS Cup Official Website at: www.audir8lmscup.com
Rounds 3&4 Entry List:
No.1/Marchy LEE (HKG)/Audi Ultra
No.3/Hugues RIPERT (FRA)/Spark Motorsport/Am
No.6/HAN Han (CHN)/Team Zhe Jiang Aotong
No.7/Jeffrey LEE (TPE)/Pauian Archiland J-Fly Racing/Am
No.8/Alex YOONG (MAL)/Audi GQ
No.9/WANG Jian Wei (CHN)/Team Betterlife
No.13/Adrian FU (HKG)/FuSpeed Racing/Am
No.23/Byron TONG (HKG)/AK Racing/Am
No.27/Daniel BILSKI (HKG)/Audi Driving Dreams/Am
No.33/SUN Zheng (CHN)/Team Erdos Xinan
No.66/ZHANG Ran (CHN)/Audi Castrol/Am
No.68/Adderly FONG (HKG)/KLM Team
No.75/Clifford CHEN (TPE)/J-Fly Racing Team/Am
No.77/SUN Chao (CHNG)/P D GROUP Audi Team
No.88/Aaron KWOK (HKG)/Team Audi R8 LMS Cup/Am
No.99/HUA Xia Wei (CHN)/Team Chengdu New Elements
