Audi R8
LMS Cup Press Release
Ordos,
July 6th, 2013 - Marchy
Lee won Round 3 of the Audi R8 LMS Cup in Ordos, Northern China. Malaysia’s
Alex Yoong took the checkered flag but after an inquiry concerning the start of
the race, he was given a twenty second penalty for a false start and ended
sixth overall.
Rene
Koneberg, Director, Audi Sport Customer Racing China:
“We have
a very strong driver line up, the competition at the top of the field is very
intense. Therefore, every second counts during starting procedures today.”
Starting
the race in seventh position, Adderly Fong took what was thought to be the
final podium place after a close fought battle saw him edging out cup debutant
“Franky” Cheng Congfu, before the decision to give Alex Yoong a twenty second
penalty and move both up by a place.
The race
got off to a controversial rolling start. At the green light Alex Yoong in
position two was quick of the grid ready to challenge Marchy Lee who was
starting from pole. Alex had a clear lead into turn one, followed by Marchy Lee
who had secured pole position in qualifying earlier in the day. With few
overtaking opportunities on a tight and technical track, this start was thought
to prove decisive.
Third on
the grid at the start, Rahel Frey battled hard and maintained a very close gap
to the leaders and was looking very comfortable for the final podium position.
On lap seven the front three were separated by merely a second as they
maneuvered for first place. However, a mistake at turn five on lap nine saw her
spin out and drop down to sixth, which she maintained until the stewards
decision concerning the start of the race moved her up to fifth.
Despite
Alex Yoong’s performance Marchy Lee settled into a very close second and used
all his patience to wait for an opportunity whilst lapping traffic. Marchy made
a lunge for first position on Lap 10 and came very close to pulling it off but
Alex closed the door firmly and ended up first across the line.
Adderly
Fong took second place overall; waiting patiently for any errors, he managed to
capitalize on Rahel’s spin on lap 10. Adderly consolidated his place and this
allowed “Franky” Cheng Congfu to close the gap and challenge for third all the
way to the checkered flag.
Sun
Zheng, a recent British F3 podium finisher, was unlucky to retire with a
technical issue and unable to build on his excellent recent form. Also retiring
through technical problems was Ren Wei.
The
winner of the Amateur cup was Alex Au, after a close battle with Hugues Ripert.
Tomorrow
round 4 of the 2013 season of the Audi R8 LMS Cup will take place at Ordos
International Circuit. Round 4 will see Alex Yoong on pole ahead of round 3
winner Marchy Lee and Rahel Frey. Starting positions were determined by the
second fastest times by each driver during qualifying on Saturday morning.
Alex
Yoong
“I am
disappointed to be penalized, I felt I kept a steady pace during the rolling
start and I think that I had a very good race. Anyway I will go for a win
tomorrow, of course.”
Marchy
Lee
“I had a
great race and I am glad about the steward’s decision to review the start of
the race.”
Adderly
Fong
“It was
an event filled race for me. I had an ok start, but when I saw the cars in
front of me bunch at the first corner I made my move and managed to take forth
position. I was following Rahel closely but with the nature of Ordos I knew it
would be difficult to pass. Fortunately for me Rahel made a mistake on the same
corner I did last year, and I was able to take the place from her.”
Alex Au
“My main
aim in the race was to go as fast as I can but also to be aware of those professional
drivers that were faster. Obviously for the team scoring points is the
priority. I was happy that I was able to keep pace with some of the
professional drivers during the race.”
Rafel
Frey
“I found
keeping up with the guys in front of me was not a problem but I also realized
it would be very hard to take them at this circuit so I wanted to at least try
to push for the fastest lap. Unfortunately I made a mistake and lost the
opportunity.”
Audi R8
LMS Cup Official Website: www.audir8lmscup.com
Audi R8
LMS Cup, 2013 race calendar
05–07
July, Ordos International Circuit, China
02–04
August, Inje Auto Theme Park, South Korea
28–31
August, Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
25–27
October, Shanghai International Circuit, China
09–10
November, Guia International Circuit, Macau
Photo credit: Audi R8 LMS Cup
