Typhoon Mangkhut cut the Autumn Pan Delta Super Racing Festival short today (15 September) at Zhuhai International Circuit, but not before Eurasia Motorsport showed a good turn of speed during the opening race of the China Endurance Series.
The first round of qualifying proved somewhat tricky with new recruits Su Ming and Andreas Laskaratos qualifying ninth in the #3 Ligier, just ahead of Eurasia teammates Roman Krumins and Martin Cao in the #22 entry. The latter went on to do a tremendous job to record the second fastest time, just 0.016s off the pole in the second round of qualifying.
Su made a good start but unfortunately had a quick spin on the second lap, losing time in the process. He resumed and handed over to Laskaratos who went on to take the chequered flag in ninth position.
Krumins meanwhile had a good stint at the wheel of the #3 Ligier, pitting from ninth position with Cao then taking the fight to the S&D Motorsport car, taking the flag eighth, less than a second adrift of the front-row starter.
“We showed good pace again,” stated Team Principal Mark Goddard. “The car was quick with Martin fastest in the opening practice session and then P2 in the second. The Bronze drivers all performed well too, getting up to speed in LMP3 equipment and learning the circuit for the first time so we take a lot of positives from the race.
“It’s a shame we didn’t get the chance to complete the second race as we had a front-row start and it was a good opportunity for additional mileage and learning.”
The final rounds of the China Endurance Series take place at Tianjin, China 10 – 11 November where there will now be three races over the weekend.
