Audi R8 LMS Ultra and Porsche 997 GT3R claimed one pole each for Rounds 3 and 4 of the GT Asia Series held this weekend at Sepang International Circuit. Track temperatures soared to 45 degrees during the Session which started at 2.30pm (local time).

Marchy Lee claimed Round 3 pole for Audi R8 LMS Cup when he clocked a best time of 2:07.972 whilst Hisao Shigeta will start Round 4 at the front for Direction Racing. Marchy will share driving duties with Chinese Taipei driver, Jeffrey Lee over the weekend.

“It was good. Qualifying was quite smooth and I understood the Yokohama compound more. Its also good that we have a little more weight than the last time, we take it harder a bit but we managed to do it and get pole. Let’s see the races” said Marchy after the Sessions.

When asked how he expects the extreme heat and track conditions to be over the weekend, March replied, “The races are long enough and with these temperatures, we really have to be careful on the tyres and how we use it.

“How the track will change once the GT500 goes and the racing line may change. Hopefully we pick up some speed in the corners” he ended.

Li Zhi Cong will line up alongside Marchy on the front row in Asia Racing Team’s Porsche 997 GT3 R with Shigeta and reigning Champion, Mok Weng Sun in Team Clearwater Racing’s Ferrari F458 GT3 in the row behind them.

Dilantha Malagamuwa in the Lamborghini LP560 is back in form and will start Round 3 from row three alongside the Ford GT3 of Frank Yu, complete with its new aero-kit. 

Two Ferrari’s will line up on row four with David Lai in Team Clearwater Racing’s second F458 while GTM’s fastest driver Eric Lo will start in eighth in his F430. Craft Eurasia Racing’s Samson Chan will start ninth in his Ford GT3 whilst GTM class driver, Francis Hideki Onda in the F430 completes the top ten starters for Round 3.

An obviously delighted Hisao Shigeta was surprised to receive news that he will line up in pole position for Round 4 on Sunday. Shigeta was surprised by the level of competition in the Series and is happy with his result for Direction Racing. “The car was in good condition, my mechanic and my teacher really helped me. The car is fast which is why I can get pole. I am so happy.

“Qualifying 1 I made a mistake and regretted it. I tried to do better in Qualifying 2 and managed to get pole. I will try to keep my position for Round 4 but everybody, everybody is just so fast. I still cannot believe I got pole position today. I am so happy” he ended beaming.

Shigeta will have the experienced Mok flanking him on the starting grid for Round 4, with Li and Malagamuwa behind in third and fourth respectively.

Jeffrey Lee will start for the Audi duo in fifth with Yu, Lai, Lo, Chan and Onda in the top ten.

Round 3 of the GT Asia Series will be held on Saturday, 9 June 2012 at 2.20pm with Round 4 scheduled for Sunday, 10 June at 11.00am.

Drivers taking part in the first six rounds of the GT Asia Series are eligible to collect Championship points for a special AAMC Macau GT Cup Trophy, which will be awarded to them at the end of the Season during the Finale in Macau this November.

The GT Asia Series will head to three Japanese weekends starting with Fuji International Circuit on 13-15 July, Suzuka International Racing Course on 17-19 August and Autopolis International Circuit on 28-30 September. The Season Finale will be held as part of the Macau GP at the Guia International Circuit on 16-18 November. 

The 2012 GT Asia Series is supported by, Yokohama ADVAN, Graham Timekeepers, KW Automotive, AutoArt, Stand21, Endless, Cody Enterprises and RaceRoom.

The GT Asia Series is jointly organised by Motorsport Asia and Supercar Club Hong Kong.

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