Li Zhi Cong took his first win of the season this weekend, in round four of the 2012 GT Asia Series at the Sepang International Circuit. The Chinese racer stole the race lead from Hiseo Shigeta (Porsche) and broke away from the field to remain unchallenged for the remainder of the race, taking the lead of the drivers’ championship standings by eight points.

The race weekend started well for the team. The Asia Racing Team armada put on a strong performance on Friday’s Qualifying for the Sepang Super GT Support Race weekend, the second event of the GT Asia Series, with Li on front row for Race 1 and in 3rd place for Race 2.

Race 1 saw Li line up second on the grid for a race long battle for a podium position. The #9 Yumin Restaurant Porsche 911 GT3 R ran second most of the race, losing the place when the Guangzhou driver got caught up in the traffic in the very last lap. In the end of the race Li was not totally happy with his third place and race performance. “I may have made some mistakes in the pit, at the stop, which made me lose about three to four seconds allowing the guys in the back to catch up”, he said.

The best of the weekend was yet to come in Race 2. Starting from third on the grid Li made a pass on Mok Weng Sun (Ferrari) for second place early on in the race into the first corner. He was the last to pit, and came out in the lead, and held until the chequered flag to take his first win of the season.

Reflecting on his first ever GT racing win, Li said, “The team did a great job this weekend. They played the right strategy and it paid off. In Race 2 I had good tyres and I managed to be quick. I improved a lot this weekend and I am looking forward to the races in Japan.”

Team Manager Philippe Descombes added, “It was a great weekend for Peter (Li Zhi Cong) and for everyone in the team. The cars performed well and we stayed consistent throughout the event. I take my hat off to Peter. He was brilliant in both races. We still have to manage how to take the maximum out of every run in qualifying but this weekend he showed maturity and speed. He was aggressive when he had to, and yet be conservative when needed.”

The GT Asia Series will now take a month break, with the racing action resuming in earnest at Fuji in Japan, for the Super GT support event, which will take place 13-15 July 2012.

Prepared by www.art-motorsports.com

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