MENZEL SHINES IN PORSCHE CARRERA CUP ASIA SINGAPOREAN LEG

2009-09-28 18:02:40 Author: admin Source:

Team StarChase driver Christian Menzel put in superb display of faultless racing to dominate the Porsche SC Global Carrera Cup Asia – Singapore 2009 yesterday, charging to the top of the 2009 title chase at the same time.

The German, who had grabbed pole with a stunning last-minute dash during qualifying,  didn’t put a wheel wrong on this way to the chequered flag despite a strong challenge from Tim Sugden off the start.

Menzel now has a one point lead over Sugden, while Team Jebsen’s Darryl O’Young holds on to third. 

The 18-strong field of sportscar specialist put on an astonishing display of high-octane excitement for the 2009 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix crowds on the 5.062km Marina Bay street circuit.

After 12 laps of thrilling excitement, guest drivers took 2^nd and 3^rd spots, with Team PCS Racing’s Craig Baird crossing the line ahead of the hard-charging Danny Watts of SC Global Racing, who had spectacularly ploughed back up through the field after an early incident had put him down to 6^th.

Team Jebsen’s Darryl O’Young was running a strong second, and looked a potential threat to Menzel, but a misfire which began on lap four, eventually dashed any chance of a podium finish.  However, he held on to take 4^th, despite losing massively on the straits.  Asia Racing Team’s Rodolfo Avila recovered from an early race incident with Dutchman Danny Chu to finish 5^th.

Points leader going in to Round 9, Tim Sugden had a disappointing outing.  Starting alongside Menzel at the start, he was on a charge off the line and the pair were two abreast.  However while, Sugden made a mistake which cost him dear, putting him right down the field although he managed to work his way up to 6^th by the flag.

Menzel got away well off the start, and Sugden’s error gave him a clear run to the flag.  Watts meanwhile got boxed in, and dropped down to 6^th, while O’Young stayed clear of the melee to go 2^nd.

Baird was keeping the Hong Kong racer firmly in his sights, while behind him Avila made a move on Chu which was to end the promising youngster’s race.  Watts grabbed his chance to dive past into 4^th.

Watts put his head down and set about closing in on Baird.  Meanwhile, Sugden was on the move, not easy with such fierce competition throughout the field.  The epic battle between Li, who made a stunning return to the series, and Choo had the crowds on their feet, with the pair two abreast going through the Marina Bay Circuit tunnel.

By the closing laps, Watts had closed right up to Baird and was piling on the pressure, with the pair of the catching O’Young who was wrestling with his miss-firing car.  The dramatic final lap saw first the New Zealander and then Watts go by to snatch the podium places.

Results - Round 9

1. Christian MENZEL (GER): Team StarChase (CHN) 29:01.846
2. Craig BAIRD* (NZL): Team PCS Racing (SIN) +2.995
3. Danny WATTS* (GBR): SC Global Racing (SIN) +3.761
4. Darryl O’YOUNG (HKG): Team Jebsen (HKG) +5.336
5. Rodolfo AVILA (MAC): Asia Racing Team (MAC) +9.636