Motorsports news: Audi R8 LMS Cup heads to Zhuhai this weekend

As the series prepares to make its debut in the Southern Chinese city of Zhuhai, winner of the opening round of the first-ever Audi one-make series in Shanghai, Audi GQ driver Alex Yoong of Malaysia, leads the battle for the inaugural championship title.

The former Formula 1 driver will be looking to increase his six-point championship lead in Zhuhai. However, 22-year old rising star Adderly Fong of Hong Kong with KLM Team, whose gutsy performance in just his second career sportscar race saw him grab victory in Round 2, is just as determined to make a name for himself in the high-profile series. Three points behind Fong is fellow Hong Kong driver Marchy Lee with Audi Ultra. Twice on the podium in Shanghai, Lee has put his ill-luck in Round 2 firmly behind him, and is in fighting form heading to Zhuhai.

The rivalry between Yoong, Fong and Lee is set to intensify in Zhuhai, but there is plenty of talent amongst the 16-strong field ready and able to upset the trio’s party.

Says Yoong: “It’s been a great start to the championship, but it’s clear from the fierce on-track battles, especially in Round 2, that every last point is going to be hard-fought.”

Having already captivated both the Asian racing fraternity and motorsport fans across the region, the highly-competitive Audi R8 LMS Cup field welcomes racer, novelist and blogger Han Han with Team Zhe Jiang Aotong for Rounds 3&4 this weekend.

Highly-acclaimed singer and actor Aaron Kwok, the official driver with Team Audi R8 LMS Cup, leads the Amateur category, having proven his racing mettle with a class win in Round 2.

Making their debuts in Zhuhai in the Amateur category will be Frenchman Hugues Ripert with Spark Motorsport, Daniel Bilski of Hong Kong with Audi Driving Dreams and Clifford Chen of Chinese Taipei with J-Fly Racing Team. Chen will share racing duties on the team this season with Eric Hsiang.

Commented Director of Audi Sport customer racing in China, Rene Koneberg: “It’s been a delight to see such a thrilling, competitive start to the inaugural Audi R8 LMS Cup season. The level of competition all the way through the field makes the series exciting to watch and to be a part of. We’re delighted to be bringing this extraordinary new series to motorsport fans in Southern China.”

With its exciting mix of experienced professionals and fledging talent, the Audi R8 LMS Cup has already attracted attention far beyond China and Asia. As the marque’s first-ever one-make series, the Audi R8 LMS Cup aims to both showcase the best of Asian motorsport, and provide a platform for young talent to hone their skills.

Three titles will be up for grabs in 2012: The Audi R8 LMS Cup overall title, an Amateur category, and a Teams award, with each round points-scoring.

After a magnificent season launch in Shanghai last month, the Zhuhai meeting will also see double the drama with two races. The series then travels to Ordos in Inner Mongolia, before returning to Zhuhai in September and on to Shanghai for the triumphant grand finale of the inaugural season in November.

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