PORSCHE CARRERA CUP ASIA TITLE GOES DOWN THE WIRE IN MACAU

15 November 2007

Deemed an epic showdown, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia finale in Macau is cooking up to be the toughest test yet this season for man and machine.

Overall Championship honors will go to either GruppeM Racing’s Tim Sugden (below left) or former Asian Formula 3 Champion and GT racing newcomer Christian Jones of SCC Racing China (below right). Just two points separate the pair going to Macau, and both know they have their work cut out.

Sugden has always wanted to race at Macau, but hadn’t planned on having to fight for the title on such a tough circuit and one which is completely new to him: “Most if not all of the other drivers have raced there before, but I’ve only ever watched it and never taken part. My intention is to go and get a podium and beat Christian.”

Says Jones, who has some experience of the Guia: “Macau is the greatest – and toughest – street circuit in the world. I raced there once before in Formula 3 in 2004, and I can’t wait to get back on it.”

As they duel for honours on Macau’s narrow and complex street circuit they will be joined by a formidable line-up of exciting sportscar racers.

Cref Motorsports’ Keita Sawa (left) was left devastated after the penultimate rounds in Zhuhai last weekend as a series of mishaps saw his championship chances slip away.

Having finished 2nd in Macau last year, the Japanese ace will be looking to end his season on a high by taking arguably the most coveted victory of the season.

Team Jebsen’s Darryl O’Young (right), winner at Macau in 2005 and 4th last year, is equally determined to round off a season which saw him make his Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup debut, as will fellow Hong Kong racer Marchy Lee.

Lee took two wins in Zhuhai and knows the Guia Circuit well having raced there in both a Formula 3 car and a Porsche, although he has yet to tackle the 6.12km track in the 997-based race car.

Team Vertu’s Nigel Albon will be one to watch, as will Australian Geoff Morgan who is currently ranked 5th in the Class A standings.

There is a wildcard GR Asia entry in the form of Danny Watts. Watts was untouchable in Macau last year, shaving almost a second off the previous best qualifying time, winning the race with an eight-second margin, and setting the fastest lap for good measure.

With so many quick drivers, each and every one unshakably determined to add a victory at Macau to their CVs, the final round of the 2007 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia could very well turn out to be the best ever!