Optimism as the Formula Masters China Series entered the second half of the season with Eurasia’s entrant Aidan Read firmly in the title hunt turned to disappointment as the young Australian was forced to stand down from driving with illness today (14th August, 2016).
The team were well prepared for a push to take the Championship lead from main rival Phillip Hambrecht given strong results for Eurasia and Read at the Sepang F1 Circuit in Malaysia earlier in the year, but all good intentions from team and driver were put on hold as the Aussie teenager took ill.
Read had initially felt unwell on Saturday (13th August, 2016) but managed to progress through practice and qualifying to achieve fourth on the starting grid. The decision to race on in the weekend’s opening round being taken despite the uncomfortable conditions for Read both inside and outside of the car.
An incident at turn one at the start saw Read spin to the back of the pack to add to his woes eventually recovering to take sixth and some points towards the Championship tally.
However, things had not improved for Aidan overnight and the driver took the decision not to race on health grounds.
“Aidan clearly wasn’t well” said Team Boss Mark Goddard, “He was having a pretty tough time in the car on Saturday and struggled through it but informed the team on Sunday morning that he would not be racing. Obviously it’s a big disappointment for us and him as he was really starting to get results and had a great chance to challenge for the title but we respect his decision and wish him a speedy recovery.”
Eurasia will return to Sepang on the 3/4th September 2016 in two competitions, Rounds 13-15 of the Formula Masters China Series and the final rounds of the ACO Sprint Cup in the LMP3 prototype.
With race winner Read Prioritising Formula Masters and unable to compete in both series over the same weekend opportunities exist for interested parties to drive the race winning WinEurasia LMP3. Suitably qualified drivers should contact the team for further details.
