Audi-supported GT racer Aditya Patel will race in the Blancpain GT Series Asia, following two seasons in the Audi R8 LMS Cup. The hugely successful and popular European championship will be making its debut in Asia. The opening season has already attracted the world’s best manufacturers including the likes of Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW, Aston Martin and McLaren. Some of the best race drivers and teams from Asia and around the world will be seen competing in the series. The inaugural series will feature a 6-weekend, 12-race calendar.
The championship kicks off at Sepang Circuit, Malaysia, in early April before moving on to the Chang International circuit in Thailand in May, followed by two race weekends in Japan’s Suzuka and Fuji circuits in June and August. The last two rounds are in China, in Shanghai, and the newly constructed Zhejiang circuit in September and October.
The Blancpain GT Series Asia is based on a two-driver format - Patel will be paired with Malaysian-born Australian driver Mitch Gilbert. 2016 was a good year for Patel, he ended his Audi R8 LMS Asia Cup campaign on a high note and also set India’s Top Speed Record of 332.2 kmph in the Audi R8 V10 Plus.
Patel stated, “I would like to thank Audi India for giving me this opportunity and for their unwavering support over the past five years. The Blancpain GT Series is one of the world’s premier racing championships and I am really looking forward to being a part of it. My teammate, Mitch Gilbert, has proved his speed in various championships in the past as well. While the competition will be tough, I have no doubt that together, we will achieve great results this year.”
“Audi Sport has stood for “Vorsprung durch Technik” in international motorsports. Be it the World Rally Championship, Pikes Peak, Super Touring Cars, DTM, GT racing or Le Mans prototypes: with impressive performance, Audi has led all motorsports projects to success, claiming numerous victories and important championship titles. Aditya has shown remarkable performances in previous years and we wish him a great racing season at Blancpain GT Series Asia this year with the indomitable Audi R8 LMS. We are confident that with successful exploits of Aditya and other Indian racing talents, motorsports will get a tremendous boost in India as well,” said Mr. Rahil Ansari, Head, Audi India.
2017 Blancpain GT Series Asia Calendar
April 8/9 Sepang International Circuit Malaysia
May 20/21 Chang International Circuit Thailand
June 24/25 Suzuka International Circuit Japan
August 19/20 Fuji International Circuit Japan
September 23/24 Shanghai International Circuit China
October 21/22 Zhejiang Circuit China
