DOUBLE VICTORY FOR SUDGEN ON PORSCHE CARRERA CUP ASIA DEBUT

9 April 2007

GruppeM Racing’s Tim Sugden (above) proved unbeatable on his Porsche Carrera Cup Asia debut this weekend, taking his second victory in as many races in Round 2 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, the support race for the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Hong Kong’s Marchy Lee (above left), racing with KK Motors took second place in his first outing in the 997-based Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car, while Cref Motorsports’ Keita Sawa (above right) took the final podium spot.

In race 1, Sudgen also notched up a win with a gap of more than 1 ½ seconds from Lee, who had started from pole position, and SCC Racing’s Christian Jones (below left).

Race 2 began right off the start of the 10 lap race where Sugden got away well from pole, but SCC Racing’s Christian Jones shot off the grid and got by Lee into second before the first turn. Team Vertu’s Nigel Albon (above right) attempted a daring dash round the outside, but ran wide and failed to make up any places. Jones’ advantage was short lived, however, with first Lee then Sawa overtaking the talented youngster. Next in his mirrors was Albon, who was on his tail for several laps.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Dilantha Malagamuwa (above left) was coming under pressure from a hard-charging Vutthikorn Inthraphuvasak (above right) and eventually succumbed to the determined Thai. Vutthikorn then took the race to Albon, piling on the pressure and willing the Briton to make a mistake. Albon held him at bay until just before the start of the final lap when Vutthikorn made a decisive move and finally got by.

Alain Li (right), who failed to finish Round 1 and so started from the back of the grid, was picking his way through the field, lights blazing.

His enthusiasm got the better of him resulting in a trip in to the gravel which he recovered from. However, a second spin put pay to his efforts.

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The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia returns to the Sepang International Circuit for Rounds 3 and 4 of the 12-round season on 6 May.

The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia runs as part of the Asian Festival of Speed, organised by Malaysian-based Motorsport Asia Limited.