Ferrari Racing Day At Shanghai

After the incredible success of the first Ferrari Racing Days at Suzuka, this past weekend the Asia Pacific Ferrari Challenge came to the Shanghai circuit for the second round of the season. It was a truly unique spectacle put on by the Maranello marque, with its racing owners at the wheel of their own cars, competing in action packed high class races.

Established in 2011, the Asia Pacific series immediately proved to be a great success for those taking part, continuing a tradition established in Europe way back in 1993. That was when the company’s racing DNA was translated not just into the ever present Formula 1, but also through the birth of a championship that has evolved until it is now considered the benchmark for this type of racing. That success has extended to the Asia Pacific series which, in this second year, can already boast a field of 29 Ferrari 458 Challenge cars with 32 drivers entered.

One of the main reasons behind the success of this series is the spectacle it produces, thanks to the driver-owners, some complete novices and others with a higher level of racing experience. The former group race in the Coppa Shell, with their own classification and final title, while the latter run in the Trofeo Pirelli, which also has its own title up for grabs. Starting this year, to avoid unfair competition, the pros and the gentleman drivers now compete in their own separate races. The Trofeo Pirelli features well known names, who tackle the Challenge to increase their own reputation and that of the Concessionaires for whom they race. But there are also youngsters with a little bit of experience behind them, who through the challenge and the famous Ferrari name hope to find the launch pad for a future career. The Coppa Shell races are also particularly closely contested, featuring gentleman drivers of all ages and varying levels of experience.

In the Trofeo Pirelli, the first race was won by Pasin LATHOURAS (Thailand) who crossed the line ahead of Ringo CHONG (Singapore) and Philippe PRETTE (Italy) while at the end of the second event, victory went to Ringo CHONG (Singapore), who got the better of Hisamori HAYASHI（Japan） and Alain LI (France). The Coppa Shell was a close fought contest, with Race 1 being won by Alex AU (Hong Kong) followed past the flag by Eric CHEUNG (Canada) and Francis Hideki ONDA (Japan) while Alex AU (Hong Kong) came out on top in Race 2 again, with the second and third places going to Gregory TEO (Singapore) and Eric CHEUNG (Canada).

Credits: wilswong