Under hot and humid tropical conditions gentlemen drivers entered the nerve-racking heat and blistering track features of the world renowned Sepang International Circuit. Following Friday’s 30 minute practice session, two 15 minute qualifying rounds to determine the rankings for this round preceded race 1, an endeavour for the best lap-time that aroused the racing vigor of every team competing.
In Race 1 on Saturday, Group A saw an epic performance from Kazushi Kitaura and Hideto Yasuoka (#10) from Japan, whom having climbed the positioning board with a mind for persistence and an eye on the podium, won them a well deserved first place.
Home representing team Zen Low/Dilantha Malagamuwa (#69) of Malaysia and Sri Lanka triggered emotional excitement as they demonstrated extraordinary determination to finish in second place. After leading the starting grid following a tremendous best lap time in the qualifying rounds, victors from Shanghai Wiser/Xin (#9) finished third in this exciting first race.
In group B, drivers drifted in and out of pole position in a fierce contest for final victory that saw Andrea Garbagnati (#6) seize the overall victory. Taking to the podium for the very first time in this year’s championship were China’s Zheng Ting and Steven Lin (#66), whose second place victory was followed by Jeff Lu (#38) of Taiwan in third, who also made his glorious debut onto the podium. Race 2 on Sunday saw an inspiring race performance from Group A fill the circuit with a gleaming sensation of pride as the champion emerged as Malaysia’s very own Afiq Yazid (#2), whose leading position throughout the majority of the race set uncompromising standards for the other drivers following eagerly behind. Marking their fourth consecutive podium finish in this year’s championship, highly successful team Wiser/Xin (#9) of China made an impressive return to the front to win second place. From Japan, Yakinori Taniguchi (#12) displayed remarkable determination and driving skills that won him third place and indeed his debut victory in the Super Trofeo Asia SeriesIn Group B, quenching his continued thirst for success was Andrea Garbagnati, a victory hotly contested for by Xu Peng Kai and Zhang Zhen Dong (#7) from China, whose impressive skills throughout this tournament were justly rewarded with second place. After an impressive pursuit leading group B for quite some time, Han Lin and Hanss Lin of Taiwan (#36) demonstrated remarkable skills as they came in for a well earned 3rd place.
Along this complex track inexperienced by many, with five and a half kilometers of generously broad tarmac surfacing and 15 unforgettable turns, the anxiety of contestants was lifted with the 2013 Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo. In addition to its high safety components, firm traction and extraordinary handling abilities, this model enjoys a new aerodynamic kit, which after being severely put to the test, raises the stakes of this year’s series to a whole new level.
