Malaysia’s Leona Chin solidified her place as Asia’s top female racer by securing another double second place finishes of the Renault Clio Cup China Series at the Shanghai International Circuit here. Following Zhuhai (China), Seoul (Korea) and Buriram (Thailand) earlier this year, this was her fourth consecutive podium success in a different circuit.
Starting second on the grid in both races, Leona was quickest off the mark and boldly overtook championship leader Kenneth Lim almost immediately. She tried to pull away with her lead but was eventually forced to relinquish it back to Lim in a tense cat-and- mouse chase.
As the only female competitor on the circuit, Leona did not have it easy and had to deal with all- round assault from other equally aggressive male racers. Having survived the scare of running off- track at least once, she maintained her composure to cross the line first runner-up behind eventual winner Lim, twice (Race 7 and Race 8).
Speaking to the media at the post-race interview about her chances of eventually winning first spot, Leona remarked, “Kenneth is a senior competitor who is top of his game and I respect him very much. I am happy with my performances today but for sure I can still improve, and am looking forward to the next race.”
