By Johan Laubscher
The Gulf 12 Hours race weekend is coming up and an army of Audi R8 LMS and ultra cars will be running at the circuit.
A total of twenty-two Audi R8 LMS and ultra cars will be running in two different events.
Absolute Racing originally entered two cars, but this week that was confirmed to have been reduced to a one-car entry. Their #17 Audi R8 LMS ultra will be driven by Sun Jing Zu, Jiang Wei and Ho-Pin Tung.
I.S.R. Racing from the Czech Republic will be taking part in their second event with their Audi R8 LMS ultra, following their debut at the Spa 24 Hours in July. The #75 I.S.R. R8 LMS ultra will have the driving trio of Filipe Salaquarda, Aditya Patel and Jiri Pisarik.
Thursday saw the track action get underway with a night-time practice session. Absolute Racing lead the Audi Sport customer racing charge in eighth place overall, fourth in the Pro-Am GT3 class. I.S.R. Racing was thirteenth overall, eighth in class. Two free practice sessions and qualifying will be taking place on Friday.
Couto and Yoong traded the top spots during the two free practice sessions on Thursday.
It is going to be a very exciting weekend at Yas Marina with a large amount of Audi R8 LMS and ultra representation. A thrilling Audi R8 LMS Cup finale and strong entries for the Gulf 12 Hours endurance race.
The provisional schedule for Friday and Saturday is as follows:
