pcca rounds 11&12 post race report hq

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The 28-strong Porsche Carrera Cup Asia field is preparing to take on Singapore’s unforgiving Marina Bay street circuit this weekend for the penultimate meeting of the 2015 season. The formidable fleet of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991) cars will be an impressive sight as the eyes of the world turn to the Lion City for one of the biggest international motorsport blockbusters of the year. As the region’s finest sportscar championship prepares for what is a highlight of its season, with two races in support of the blue riband Singapore F1 Grand Prix, four drivers remain in contention for the overall championship, while six are still in the frame to take the Class B title. Topping the leaderboard heading to Singapore is Kamlung Racing’s Chris van der Drift, the New Zealander with a 19-point advantage over closest challenger and fellow Kiwi Craig Baird of Clearwater Racing. Twenty- three points behind him is sensational sportscar newcomer, 17-year-old Nico Menzel of PICC Team StarChase, who took his first Porsche Carrera Cup Asia victory in Malaysia earlier this month and has so far notched up four podium finishes on an impressive rookie debut. Team Porsche Holding’s Martin Ragginger will be absent from Singapore, the Austrian ace on duty at the ADAC GT Masters for which he is in title contention. While his absence will effectively remove the Austrian from the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia championship race, his place at Team Porsche Holding will be taken by exciting Chinese talent, Zhang Zhen Dong. Technically still in contention for the title, albeit mathematically with an outside chance, is Budweiser Team Absolute Racing’s Tung Ho-Pin. The former F1 test and reserve driver has had more than his share of bad luck this season despite being both on the pace and displaying his exceptional talent to take victory in Round 2. The competition amongst the privateer Class B field could not be more intense. So far this year, the category has seen six different winners over 10 races. Proving the importance of consistency in this no-holds-barred championship, points leader – and local hero in Singapore – Yuey Tan of Team Jebsen has taken five podiums but has yet to score an outright victory this season. This has given Tan a 17-point advantage at the top of the leaderboard from closest challenger and 2012 Class B Champion, Wayne Shen of Modena Motorsports. Tan, who took the Class B victory in Singapore 12 months ago, will be looking to repeat his success on home soil, particularly this year as the city-state celebrates 50 years of independence. Just eight points behind Shen is Thailand’s Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak, the est Cola Racing Team driver making a welcome return to the championship continued on page 2 Preview : Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2015 Race Report: Rounds 11&12 Marina Bay Circuit, Singapore September 18 - 20, 2015 In This Issue: Rounds 11&12 Preview P1 Round 11 P2 Qualifying Results P3 Round 11 Results P5 Round 12 P6 Round 12 Results P8 2015 Championship P9 Standings General and Media P10 Enquiries The Marina Bay Circuit Championship battle resumes at Singapore season showcase Class B leader Yuey Tan Overall leader Chris van Der Drift

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Page 1: Pcca rounds 11&12 post race report hq

The 28-strong Porsche Carrera Cup Asia field is preparing to take on Singapore’s unforgiving Marina Bay street circuit this weekend for the penultimate meeting of the 2015 season. The formidable fleet of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991) cars will be an impressive sight as the eyes of the world turn to the Lion City for one of the biggest international motorsport blockbusters of the year.

As the region’s finest sportscar championship prepares for what is a highlight of its season, with two races in support of the blue riband Singapore F1 Grand Prix, four drivers remain in contention for the overall championship, while six are still in the frame to take the Class B title.

Topping the leaderboard heading to Singapore is Kamlung Racing’s Chris van der Drift, the New Zealander with a 19-point advantage over closest challenger and fellow Kiwi Craig Baird of Clearwater Racing. Twenty-three points behind him is sensational sportscar newcomer, 17-year-old Nico Menzel of PICC Team StarChase, who took his first Porsche Carrera Cup Asia victory in Malaysia earlier this month and has so far notched up four podium finishes on an impressive rookie debut. Team Porsche Holding’s Martin Ragginger will be absent from Singapore, the Austrian ace on duty at the ADAC GT Masters for which he is in title contention. While his absence will effectively remove the Austrian from the

Porsche Carrera Cup Asia championship race, his place at Team Porsche Holding will be taken by exciting Chinese talent, Zhang Zhen Dong.

Technically still in contention for the title, albeit mathematically with an outside chance, is Budweiser Team Absolute Racing’s Tung Ho-Pin. The former F1 test and reserve driver has had more than his share of bad luck this season despite being both on the pace and displaying his exceptional talent to take victory in Round 2.

The competition amongst the privateer Class B field could not be more intense. So far this year, the category has seen six different winners over 10 races. Proving the importance of consistency in this no-holds-barred championship, points leader – and local hero in Singapore – Yuey Tan of Team Jebsen has taken five podiums but has yet to score an outright victory this season. This has given Tan a 17-point advantage at the top of the leaderboard from closest challenger and 2012 Class B Champion, Wayne Shen of Modena Motorsports. Tan, who took the Class B victory in Singapore 12 months ago, will be looking to repeat his success on home soil, particularly this year as the city-state celebrates 50 years of independence.

Just eight points behind Shen is Thailand’s Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak, the est Cola Racing Team driver makinga welcome return to the championship continued on page 2

Preview :

Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2015Race Report: Rounds 11&12Marina Bay Circuit, SingaporeSeptember 18 - 20, 2015

In This Issue:

Rounds 11&12 Preview P1Round 11 P2Qualifying Results P3Round 11 Results P5Round 12 P6Round 12 Results P82015 Championship P9Standings General and Media P10Enquiries

The Marina Bay Circuit

Championship battle resumes at Singapore season showcase

Class B leader Yuey Tan

Overall leader Chris van Der Drift

Page 2: Pcca rounds 11&12 post race report hq

continued from page 1 this year and getting quicker with each outing.

A rollercoaster season so far for OpenRoad Racing’s Francis Tjia has seen him take victory in Round 6 and collect an additional four podiums, but he has also fallen foul of racing incidents to record a pair of DNFs which puts him fourth on the leaderboard, two points adrift of Inthraphuvasak. Team

Clearwater Racing’s Craig Baird once again demonstrated his mastery of Singapore’s tricky and unforgiving Marina Bay street circuit, taking a wheel-perfect, pole-to-flag victory in Round 11 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. Second across the line after superb performance was Budweiser Team Absolute Racing’s Tung Ho-Pin, while 17-year-old series rookie Nico Menzel gave his PICC Team StarChase their fifth consecutive podium finish on his Marina Bay Circuit debut.

In Class B, Spark Motorsports’ Egidio Perfetti took the win at his home race, ahead of est Cola Racing Team’s Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak in second. OpenRoad Racing’s Francis Tjia was third, keeping the Hong Kong driver very much in championship contention with three races of the season remaining. Pole-sitter and local hero Yuey Tan

of Team Jebsen was forced to retire when his engine overheated due to an issue with the water pump drive belt..

The Round 11 results remain provisional pending a number of ongoing investigations by race Stewards.

Said a delighted Baird: “I’ve had a really good car since the moment I got here. From first practice I’ve been really happy with it and we really haven’t changed the car at all. Usually I’m changing things and making excuses, but my Clearwater Racing engineer has really been working hard. I just put my head down and got moving.”

For Tung, despite the dramatic events of the race, it was a chance to covert the impressive pace he’s shown all season into another podium finish: “Finally a clean weekend - so far! The start was quite good and I managed to get Nico round the outside into Turn 1. From then on Craig was a bit too quick today for me to make his life difficult. Nico was always very close but not close enough to make an attempt.”

Singapore newcomer Menzel’s podium came after a tough race: “It’s my first time here in Singapore, so qualifying was really good – P2 today and pole for tomorrow. The

start was terrible for me and Ho-Pin got past and then it was a real battle with Rodolfo, but it was good clean racing. It’s my fifth podium in a row and that’s great for the team.”

In Class B, Perfetti was thrilled with his win, particularly after missing out to Tan for pole position in qualifying: “There were quite a few close calls out there! I managed to squeeze my way past Ro Charlz Skyangel. It was a good race. I enjoyed it. I struggled a bit after the Safety Car, but luckily I had a bit of a cushion and managed it to the last lap. For tomorrow, as you know, I like to bring out the good stuff on the last day, so I have a set of brand spanking new tyres, so we’ll see what that brings!”

With Rounds 11 and 12 of the Porsche Carrera Cup forming part of Singapore’s glittering Grand Prix weekend, expectations were high ahead of the opening race, and the championship more than lived up to the expectations of the enthusiastic fans.

Tensions rose, however, when the start was aborted twice; first after Suttiluck Buncharoen stalled on the grid, and again when Zhang Zhen Dong, standing in for regular driver Martin Ragginger at Team Porsche Holding this weekend, was adjudged to have been out of position, for which he was handed a drive-through penalty, later converted to a 30 second time penalty.

Once the field roared of the grid though, the action was spectacular as they hurtled past the Singapore landmarks. Baird was away from pole like rocket, and immediately set about pulling a gap from the chasing continued on page 3

Betterlife’s Li Chao of China and Team BC Racing’s Johnson Huang of Chinese Taipei have both fought hard to stay in the race and will be two to watch in Singapore.

While track experience counts for much when it comes to street circuits, organisers have upped the ante this year by making modifications to the 5.065km, 23-turn track which they believe could potentially result in closer racing. However, navigating the ferocious Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991) between the unforgiving Armco barriers of this technical track will still be a mighty challenge

for the skilled Porsche Carrera Cup Asia field. For some, the weekend will be a return to the scene of triumph and disappointment, for others it will represent a thrilling new challenge, but for all, the Singapore Grand Prix weekend will be a dazzling showcase of glamorous, high-octane enjoyment.

Qualifying for Rounds 11 and 12 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will be held on Friday, September 18, with Race 1 on Saturday and Race 2 at 17:25 local time, just prior to the F1 night race.

Round 11:

Baird and Perfetti win in sensational Singapore showstopper

Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Round 11 start

Page 3: Pcca rounds 11&12 post race report hq

continued from page 2 pack. Behind him though, Tung was immediately alongside Menzel from P3 on the grid, claiming second place from the youngster and holding firm to the flag. Next Menzel’s mirrors were filled with championship leader van der Drift, who had stormed through the pack from seventh on the grid. Close behind the New Zealander was Alif Hamdan until Team Jebsen’s Rodolfo Avila found his way past the Malaysian. Racing on the max, the trio fought for position, with van

Craig Baird of Clearwater Racing took pole for Round 11.

Qualifying Results - Round 11

Pos No Name Class Entrant Time1 12 Craig BAIRD (NZL) Clearwater Racing (SIN) 2:17.999

2 99 Nico MENZEL (GER) PICC Team StarChase (CHN) 2:18.182

3 58 TUNG Ho-Pin (CHN) Budweiser Team Absolute Racing (HKG)

2:18.664

4 72 Alif HAMDAN (MAS) Alif Hamdan Motorsport (MAS) 2:18.699

5 68 Chris VAN DER DRIFT (NZL) Kamlung Racing (MAS) 2:19.335

6 20 Rodolfo AVILA (MAC) Team Jebsen (HKG) 2:19.341

7 8 Ro Charlz SKYANGEL (SIN) Team Yonda (CHN) 2:20.128

8 5 Yuey TAN (SIN) B Team Jebsen (HKG) 2:20.374

9 88 *Egidio PERFETTI (SIN) B Spark Motorsports (HKG) 2:20.496

10 18 Vutthikorn INTHRAPHUVASAK (THA)

B est Cola Racing Team (THA) 2:20.786

11 86 *ZHANG Zhen Dong (CHN) Team Porsche Holding (CHN) 2:20.802

12 21 Francis TJIA (HKG) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) 2:20.812

13 55 BAO Jin Long (CHN) Zheng Tong Auto (CHN) 2:21.232

14 11 Ringo CHONG (SIN) B Team Kangshun (CHN) 2:22.558

15 9 LI Chao (CHN) B Team Betterlife (CHN) 2:22.835

16 16 Wayne SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) 2:23.412

17 2 *Keith CHAN (HKG) B Arrows Racing (MAS) 2:23.765

18 3 Michael S. (INA) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) 2:24.550

19 78 Suttiluck BUNCHAROEN (THA)

B True Visions Motorsports Thailand (THA)

2:24.795

20 60 Marcel TJIA (SIN) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) 2:25.631

21 65 ZHU Jun Han (CHN) B Absolute Racing (HKG) 2:25.993

22 23 Paul TRESIDDER (AUS) B Paul Tresidder (AUS) 2:26.448

23 51 Johnson HUANG (TPE) B Team BC Racing (TPE) 2:26.802

24 28 John SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) 2:28.098

25 22 SIU Yuk Lung (HKG) B LKM Racing (HKG) 2:30.396

26 80 Sontaya KUNPLOME (THA) B Racing Spirit Thailand (THA) 2:30.441

27 17 FUNG Yui Sum (HKG) B Arrows Racing (MAS) 2:30.741

28 98 Henri RICHARD (USA) B Silicon Tech Racing LLP (USA) -

*Non series registered

der Drift dropping down to sixth after Avila made contact before snatching a place back from Hamdan. Hamdan later spun out and retired.

As Baird increased his margin from Tung at the front, Menzel next came under attack from Avila. Wheel-to-wheel, the German defended superbly, denying the Team Jebsen driver any opportunity to make a move. Behind them, Zheng Tong Auto’s Bao Jin Long clipped the rear of Team Kangshun’s Ringo Chong, triggering a spin which brought out the Safety Car on Lap 6, with ten minutes left on the clock.

Heartbreakingly, Tan, who had been running third in Class B, was forced to retire as the field circulated behind the Safety

Car, waiting with bated breath for the marshals to clear the stationery cars. Just as it seemed the race would finish behind the Safety Car, it pulled off, releasing the field for a final, thunderous sprint to the flag.

The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia action continues tomorrow with Round 12 at Singapore’s jewel in the crown of international motorsport. Menzel will start the 12-lap race from pole position, with Tung alongside. Baird and Hamdan make up the second row of the grid but, just as in Round 11, plenty of surprises are guaranteed as the region’s premier sportscar championship lights up the Lion City.

Alif Hamdan on the Marina Bay

Page 4: Pcca rounds 11&12 post race report hq

Qualifying Results - Round 12

Pos No Name Class Entrant Time1 99 Nico MENZEL (GER) PICC Team StarChase (CHN) 2:18.831

2 58 TUNG Ho-Pin (CHN) Budweiser Team Absolute Racing (HKG)

2:19.065

3 12 Craig BAIRD (NZL) Clearwater Racing (SIN) 2:19.195

4 72 Alif HAMDAN (MAS) Alif Hamdan Motorsport (MAS) 2:19.335

5 68 Chris VAN DER DRIFT (NZL) Kamlung Racing (MAS) 2:19.459

6 20 Rodolfo AVILA (MAC) Team Jebsen (HKG) 2:19.800

7 8 Ro Charlz SKYANGEL (SIN) Team Yonda (CHN) 2:20.298

8 88 *Egidio PERFETTI (SIN) B Spark Motorsports (HKG) 2:20.746

9 18 Vutthikorn INTHRAPHUVASAK (THA)

B est Cola Racing Team (THA) 2:20.958

10 21 Francis TJIA (HKG) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) 2:21.053

11 86 *ZHANG Zhen Dong (CHN) Team Porsche Holding (CHN) 2:21.090

12 5 Yuey TAN (SIN) B Team Jebsen (HKG) 2:21.170

13 55 BAO Jin Long (CHN) Zheng Tong Auto (CHN) 2:21.652

14 11 Ringo CHONG (SIN) B Team Kangshun (CHN) 2:22.988

15 9 LI Chao (CHN) B Team Betterlife (CHN) 2:23.123

16 16 Wayne SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) 2:23.549

17 2 *Keith CHAN (HKG) B Arrows Racing (MAS) 2:24.272

18 3 Michael S. (INA) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) 2:24.668

19 78 Suttiluck BUNCHAROEN (THA)

B True Visions Motorsports Thailand (THA)

2:25.933

20 60 Marcel TJIA (SIN) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) 2:25.934

21 23 Paul TRESIDDER (AUS) B Paul Tresidder (AUS) 2:26.627

22 51 Johnson HUANG (TPE) B Team BC Racing (TPE) 2:27.015

23 65 ZHU Jun Han (CHN) B Absolute Racing (HKG) 2:27.523

24 28 John SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) 2:28.118

25 17 FUNG Yui Sum (HKG) B Arrows Racing (MAS) 2:30.819

26 80 Sontaya KUNPLOME (THA) B Racing Spirit Thailand (THA) 2:30.885

27 22 SIU Yuk Lung (HKG) B LKM Racing (HKG) 2:30.996

28 98 Henri RICHARD (USA) B Silicon Tech Racing LLP (USA) -

*Non series registered

PICC Team StarChase’s Nico Menzel took pole poistion for Round 12.

Budweiser Team Absolute Racing’s Tung Ho-Pin was the second fastest in Round 12 Qualfiying

Egidio Perfetti of Spark Motorsports was the quickest Class B driver in Round 12 Qualifying.

Page 5: Pcca rounds 11&12 post race report hq

Craig Baird (Centre) with Tung Ho-Pin (left), second, and Nico Menzel (right), who finished third in Round 11

Results - Round 11Pos No Name Class Entrant Time1 12 Craig BAIRD (NZL) Clearwater Racing (SIN) 25:46.307

2 58 TUNG Ho-Pin (CHN) Budweiser Team Absolute Racing (HKG)

+1.596

3 99 Nico MENZEL (GER) PICC Team StarChase (CHN) +2:098

4 20 Rodolfo AVILA (MAC) Team Jebsen (HKG) +2.487

5 68 Chris VAN DER DRIFT (NZL) Kamlung Racing (MAS) +2.820

6 88 *Egidio PERFETTI (SIN) B Spark Motorsports (HKG) +4.142

7 8 Ro Charlz SKYANGEL (SIN) Team Yonda (CHN) +5.260

8 18 Vutthikorn INTHRAPHUVASAK (THA)

B est Cola Racing Team (THA) +6.159

9 86 *ZHANG Zhen Dong (CHN) Team Porsche Holding (CHN) +6.699

10 21 Francis TJIA (HKG) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) +9.702

11 16 Wayne SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) +10.046

12 3 Michael S. (INA) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) +14.129

13 9 LI Chao (CHN) B Team Betterlife (CHN) +14.603

14 51 Johnson HUANG (TPE) B Team BC Racing (TPE) +16.681

15 23 Paul TRESIDDER (AUS) B Paul Tresidder (AUS) +18.370

16 28 John SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) +18.639

17 60 Marcel TJIA (SIN) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) +18.935

18 2 *Keith CHAN (HKG) B Arrows Racing (MAS) +19.376

19 78 Suttiluck BUNCHAROEN (THA)

B True Visions Motorsports Thailand (THA)

+20.058

20 80 Sontaya KUNPLOME (THA) B Racing Spirit Thailand (THA) +23.544

21 65 ZHU Jun Han (CHN) B Absolute Racing (HKG) +24.547

22 22 SIU Yuk Lung (HKG) B LKM Racing (HKG) +25.779

23 17 FUNG Yui Sum (HKG) B Arrows Racing (MAS) +28.162

- 5 Yuey TAN (SIN) B Team Jebsen (HKG) DNF

- 11 Ringo CHONG (SIN) B Team Kangshun (CHN) DNF

- 55 BAO Jin Long (CHN) Zheng Tong Auto (CHN) DNF

- 98 Henri RICHARD (USA) B Silicon Tech Racing LLP (USA) DNF

- 72 Alif HAMDAN (MAS) Alif Hamdan Motorsport (MAS) DNS

*Non series registered

Round 11 Class B runner-up driver est Cola Racing Team’s Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak

Round 11 Class B second runner-up OpenRoading’s Francis Tjia

Page 6: Pcca rounds 11&12 post race report hq

Tung Ho-Pin (centre) celebrates with Craig Baird (left), second, and Chris van der Drift (right), who finished third.

Rounds 12 :Tung conquers the Lion City as Perfetti bids farewell with victory at home Budweiser Team Absolute Racing’s Tung Ho-Pin took an emphatic win in Round 12 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia at Singapore’s Marina Bay street circuit, pulling out an impressive gap of 2.842 seconds at the flag from second-place finisher and Round 11 winner, Clearwater Racing’s Craig Baird. Third over the line after the 12-lap race was championship leader, Chris van der Drift of Kamlung Racing, who made his debut in the Lion City at the weekend.

In Class B, Spark Motorsports’ Egidio Perfetti took his second win of the weekend, bowing out of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in characteristically impressive style. The 2013 Class B Champion took his final series win at his home Grand Prix ahead of OpenRoad Racing’s Francis Tjia, on the podium for the second time this weekend, the impressive points haul keeping him in title contention. Third was Team Jebsen’s Yuey Tan who, thanks to the efforts of his team and the crack EKS Motorsport support crew, swept aside the disappointment of Round 11

to claim the final podium place.As the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia heads

into the final rounds of its 13th season in Shanghai next month, van der Drift tops the overall championship leaderboard but, after the Singapore weekend, his margin to title rival Baird is reduced to just 8 points. Second in the points, although now out of championship contention, is PICC Team StarChase driver Nico Menzel, 25 points ahead of Tung. Team Porsche Holding’s regular driver Martin Ragginger, for whom Zhang Zhen Dong was standing in in Singapore, lies fifth.

It couldn’t be tighter in the Class B standings, with four drivers still in the 2016 title chase and two races remaining. Despite a challenging weekend, Tan still tops the table with a seven point lead from Francis Tjia who jumps to second. Just a single point behind Tjia though is est Cola Racing Team’s Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak, and only one point behind him is Modena Motorsports’ Wayne Shen. Team Betterlife’s Li Chao just missing out on a stab at the title in fifth.

Tung, second in Round 11, was thrilled to have taken his second season win and first victory in Singapore: “I had a very good start today, but so did Nico. It was very tight into the first corner, and he had a very good run through the first few corners until he outbraked himself, so I was a bit lucky with that. I had new tyres for today, so I knew I was able to pull a gap from the guys behind me.”

For Baird, the race was all about staying ahead of title rival van der Drift firmly: “Obviously probably the most important part for me was to keep Chris behind. There’s a chase on points with just two rounds to go, so it was important. We had to make sure we finished and didn’t make any mistakes.”

While van der Drift didn’t have the happiest of weekends, he nevertheless kept his hold at the top of the leaderboard: “I didn’t have a good run in qualifying, getting caught up with blue flags, so that was kind of the end of my weekend. But I came back today and got a third place. It was important to make sure Craig didn’t get too far ahead and minimise the points gap.”

Said a delighted Perfetti: “It’s fantastic to have two [Class b] wins this weekend. My last opportunity at my home Grand Prix makes it all the more special. I really enjoyed it and for four years it has been fantastic to be part of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia racing with all these fellow gentlemen. It’s a big family.”

Also back on the podium for a second time in Singapore, Francis Tjia enjoyed this weekend immensely: “It’s been a good weekend and a good points haul - finally! I needed a little bit of continued on page 7

Page 7: Pcca rounds 11&12 post race report hq

Spark Motorsports driver Egidio Perfetti swept to victory in Round 11&12 Class B

continued from page 6luck and I think it came my way. Unfortunately it was a little bit unlucky for Yuey yesterday, but that’s part of racing. I wish Egidio wouldn’t show up all the time – we like to have him around, but not in the race! It’s a brilliant circuit and it’s so much fun to race here. It’s challenging but really rewarding if you can get it right. I’m happy the championship stays tight after this weekend, and we’ll be fighting for it going in to the final rounds in Shanghai.”

The ebullient Tan was thrilled to have made it to the Class B podium after an eventful race: “It’s been pretty emotional! Today it just felt like there were so many guys racing all over me – in front, behind, making contact, left and right. It was about avoiding everything and making sure I survived. I can’t believe I’m still on top [of Class B] after all this stuff. It was pretty dejecting

to see the 20 points disappearing like that yesterday, but that’s racing.”

As the lights went out, pole-sitter Menzel got away well, but Tung’s launch was better, pulling alongside the German. Despite running wide, Menzel held the position before dramatically out-braking himself and heading down the escape road. He rejoined right down the order, fighting his way back through the field to eventually cross the line seventh.

Further back, a tangle between Team Jebsen’s Rodolfo Avila and Team Yonda’s Ro Charlz Skyangel saw the latter shunted out of the race.

With Tung now focusing on pulling a gap from the chasing pack, behind him Baird and van der Drift were locked in a battle for points, neither able to close up to the leader. Behind them, Malaysia’s Alif Hamdan led Perfetti, Avila and Francis Tjia, who was coming under fierce attached from Inthraphuvasak. The Thai driver made his move on lap 5, but came by too fast and spun, dropping down the order and out of Tjia’s mirrors. Vutthikorn eventually finished 11th behind Team Kangshun’s Ringo Chong of Singapore.

Behind Perfetti, Avila was piling the pressure onto Hamdan, executing a superb move to pass the Malaysian and

taking the fight to the Class B Spark Motorsports’ driver. Perfetti wisely elected not jeopardize a Class B victory, and Avila got by to go fourth.

Further down the order, Team Porsche Holding’s Zhang Zhen Dong was on a wheel-perfect charge through the field, passing Tan and taking the fight to Bao. Lights ablaze, he loomed large in Bao’s mirrors, the pair separated by a hairs breadth. Side by side though, disaster struck when Bao lost control under braking, collecting Zheng and taking them both off the track. The pair managed to rejoin, with Zheng heading Boa home in 15th and 16th.

The spectacular finale of the 2016 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will be held where the season began, at the Shanghai International Circuit, from October 30 to November 1. There, in the company of their FIA World Endurance Championship counterparts from Porsche Motorsport, 28 of the region’s finest GT specialists will do battle not only for the overall and Class B championships, but for the chance to take a victory in Asia’s most respected and admired sportscar championship.

Page 8: Pcca rounds 11&12 post race report hq

Results - Round 12

Pos No Name Class Entrant Time1 58 TUNG Ho-Pin (CHN) Budweiser Team Absolute Racing

(HKG)28:06.465

2 12 Craig BAIRD (NZL) Clearwater Racing (SIN) +2.842

3 68 Chris VAN DER DRIFT (NZL) Kamlung Racing (MAS) +3.900

4 20 Rodolfo AVILA (MAC) Team Jebsen (HKG) +10.462

5 88 *Egidio PERFETTI (SIN) B Spark Motorsports (HKG) +13.635

6 72 Alif HAMDAN (MAS) Alif Hamdan Motorsport (MAS) +15.765

7 99 Nico MENZEL (GER) PICC Team StarChase (CHN) +21.559

8 21 Francis TJIA (HKG) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) +43.590

9 5 Yuey TAN (SIN) B Team Jebsen (HKG) +45.871

10 11 Ringo CHONG (SIN) B Team Kangshun (CHN) +46.530

11 18 Vutthikorn INTHRAPHUVASAK (THA)

B est Cola Racing Team (THA) +47.208

12 9 LI Chao (CHN) B Team Betterlife (CHN) +52.087

13 16 Wayne SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) +55.045

14 3 Michael S. (INA) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) +59.751

15 86 *ZHANG Zhen Dong (CHN) Team Porsche Holding (CHN) +70.583

16 55 BAO Jin Long (CHN) Zheng Tong Auto (CHN) +73.620

17 65 ZHU Jun Han (CHN) B Absolute Racing (HKG) +74.282

18 78 Suttiluck BUNCHAROEN (THA) B True Visions Motorsports Thailand (THA)

+77.518

19 51 Johnson HUANG (TPE) B Team BC Racing (TPE) +79.679

20 28 John SHEN (HKG) B Modena Motorsports (HKG) +81.614

21 23 Paul TRESIDDER (AUS) B Paul Tresidder (AUS) +87.587

22 60 Marcel TJIA (SIN) B OpenRoad Racing (HKG) +88.219

23 2 *Keith CHAN (HKG) B Arrows Racing (MAS) +88.752

24 80 Sontaya KUNPLOME (THA) B Racing Spirit Thailand (THA) +128.102

25 17 FUNG Yui Sum (HKG) B Arrows Racing (MAS) +131.875

26 22 SIU Yuk Lung (HKG) B LKM Racing (HKG) 1 Lap

- 8 Ro Charlz SKYANGEL (SIN) Team Yonda (CHN) DNF

- 98 Henri RICHARD (USA) B Silicon Tech Racing LLP (USA) DNS *Non series registeredTop to down:

•Class B runner-up Francis Tjia • Modena Motorsports’ Wayne Shen• Team Porsche Holding’s Zhang Zhen Dong

Right:Tung Ho-Pin wins Round 12 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia.

Page 9: Pcca rounds 11&12 post race report hq

Porsche Carrera Cup Asia quote of the weekend:

Overall Standings after Round 12

Pos Comp Driver Entrant Points1 68 Chris Van der DRIFT Kamlung Racing 202

2 12 Craig BAIRD Clearwater Racing 194

3 99 Nico MENZEL PICC Team StarChase 158

4 58 Ho-Pin TUNG Budweiser Team Absolute Racing 133

5 86 Martin RAGGINGER Team Porsche Holding 120

6 20 Rodolfo AVILA Team Jebsen 115

7 8 Ro Charlz SKYANGEL Team Yonda 87

8 72 Alif HAMDAN Alif Hamdan Motorsport 82

9 18 Vutthikorn INTHRAPHUVASAK

est Cola Racing Team 65

10 21 Francis TJIA OpenRoad Racing 62

55 BAO Jinlong Zheng Tong Auto 59

12 5 Yuey TAN Team Jebsen 58

13 16 Wayne SHEN Modena Motorsports 54

14 9 LI Chao Team Betterlife 35

15 11 Roelof BRUINS Team Kangshun 32

1686 ZHANG Zhendong Team Porsche Holding 21

51 Johnson HUANG Team BC Racing 21

18 2 Evan CHEN Evan Chen 20

19 98 Maxwell TWIGG Max Twigg 19

20 88 Egidio PERFETTI Spark Motorsports 18

2111 Ringo CHONG Team Kangshun 16

3 Michael S. OpenRoad Racing 16

23 2 Samson CHAN Prince Racing Hong Kong 7

24 78 Suttiluck BUNCHAROEN True Visions Motorsports Thailand 6

25 28 John SHEN Modena Motorsports 5

2669 Christian CHIA OpenRoad Racing 4

11 Andersen P MARTONO Team Kangshun 4

2823 Paul TRESIDDER Paul Tresidder 3

60 Marcel TJIA OpenRoad Racing 3

3088 Hugues RIPERT Spark Motorsport 2

98 Henri RICHARD Silicon Tech Racing LLP 2

65 ZHU Junhan Absolute Racing 2

33 98 Max CHEN Max Chen 1

34

80 Sontaya KUNPLOME Racing Spirit Thailand 0

22 SIU Yuk Lung LKM Racing Modena Motorsports 0

17 FUNG Yui Sum Arrows Racing 0

2 Kenneth LAU Prince Racing Hong Kong 0

69 Gary CHEUNG OpenRoad Racing 0

11 Mikko Petteri NASSI Team Kangshun 0

22 SIU Tit Lung LKM Racing 0

88 Daniel BILSKI Spark Motorsports 0

“Usually I’m changing things and making excuses, but my Clearwater Racing engineer has really been working hard. I just put my head down and got moving.”

- Craig Baird

Page 10: Pcca rounds 11&12 post race report hq

Behind the Scenes at the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia

We want to hear from you!

General Enquiries:Alexandre GibotMotorsport Manager, Porsche [email protected]: +86 21 – 6156 5830

Media Enquiries:Chester ZhangSupervisor Public Releations and Press Motorsport, Porsche [email protected]: +86 21 6156 5710

Class B Standings after Round 12

Pos Comp Driver Entrant Points1 5 Yuey TAN Team Jebsen 169

2 21 Francis TJIA OpenRoad Racing 162

3 18 Vutthikorn INTHRAPHUVASAK

est Cola Racing Team 161

4 16 Wayne SHEN OpenRoad Racing 160

5 9 LI Chao Team Betterlife 114

6 51 Johnson HUANG Team BC Racing 94

7 3 Michael S. OpenRoad Racing 74

8 78 Suttiluck BUNCHAROEN True Visions Motorsports Thailand

65

9 11 Ringo CHONG Team Kangshun 63

10 23 Paul TRESIDDER Paul Tresidder 57

11 28 John SHEN Modena Motorsports 56

12 98 Maxwell TWIGG Max Twigg 52

13 65 ZHU Junhan Absolute Racing 49

14 88 Egidio PERFETTI Spark Motorsports 41

15 2 Evan CHEN Evan Chen 40

16 2 Samson CHAN Prince Racing Hong Kong 38

17 69 Christian CHIA Team Kangshun 31

1880 Sontaya KUNPLOME Racing Spirit Thailand 28

22 SIU Yuk Lung LKM Racing 28

20 60 Marcel TJIA OpenRoad Racing 27

21 11 Andersen P MARTONO Team Kangshun 21

2298 Henri RICHARD Silicon Tech Racing LLP 17

17 FUNG Yui Sum Arrows Racing 17

24 88 Hugues RIPERT Spark Motorsports 16

25 98 Max CHEN Max Chen 12

26 2 Kenneth LAU Prince Racing Hong Kong 4

27 69 Gary CHEUNG OpenRoad Racing 2

2811 Mikko Petteri NASSI Team Kangshun 0

22 SIU Tit Lung LKM Racing 0

88 Daniel BILSKI Spark Motorsports 0

(Clockwise from top right)• Team Jebsen Rodolfo Avila prepares to race• Team Yonda’s Ro Charlz Skyangel • Sontaya Kunplome of Racing Spirit Thailand prepare for race• On the grid ahead of Round 12