Friday, May 30, 2014

GT Asia: Audi hopeful for GT podium in Japan


Audi Press Release

  • Four Audi entries in Rounds 3 and 4 of the GT Asia series
  • Team Absolute Racing eyes podium
  • Autopolis International Circuit suits Audi GT3 car

Four Audi entries are preparing to compete at the Autopolis International Circuit in the third and fourth rounds of the GT Asia series in Japan from May 30 to June 1. With three Audi R8 LMS ultras in the competition, Team Absolute Racing has high hopes for a successful weekend on a technical circuit, which should suit the Audi GT3 cars well.

“I am hopeful that Japan will be good. The Autopolis International Circuit is a very technical track, with lots of ups and downs, and twists and turns, which suits our car very well. With the enlarged GT Asia field in Japan, the competition is difficult. But we want to put in a performance this weekend. We want to win. I at least expect a podium position”, commented Ingo Matter, Director of Absolute Racing.

Former Formula 1 driver, Alex Yoong, will partner talented gentleman driver, Egidio Perfetti in car 98. The Italian won the amateur class of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in 2013. The new pairing will try to make up for the difficult start to the GT Asia season for Audi in Yeongam, South Korea. Alex Yoong and Matt Solomon were leading for most of the race in Round 2, but in order to avoid a collision, the car was driven over a curb, sustaining damage. This forced them to retire in the final few laps.


Jeffrey Lee from Taiwan and local driver, Hiroki Yoshimoto, will be in car 7 at this weekend’s races in Japan. The Japanese driver’s knowledge of his home track will be beneficial to the pair. Completing the Absolute Racing Audi line-up is car 17, driven by Sun Jingzu, who also drives in the amateur category of the Audi R8 LMS Cup, and Wang Jianwei, who makes his debut in the GT Asia series this season.

Furthermore, Jacky Yeung of Team Tiger Racing will be competing in car 77, the same car he drives in the Audi R8 LMS Cup. Hong Kong driver Yeung had achieved two podium finishes in the GTM category in Rounds 1 and 2 of GT Asia at the Korea International Circuit in May.

The qualifying sessions will be held on Friday May 30, with Rounds 3 and 4 taking place on Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1 respectively.

Photo credit: GT Asia Series