Race Preview – Zhuhai GP
2013 will mark McElrea Racing’s 5th visit to the Zhuhai International Circuit, for a Carrera Cup Asia round.
The first purpose-built race track in China, the 4.3km circuit was completed in 1996 and has since become the hub for motorsport in China’s Pearl River Delta. With its combination of fast straights – 900m and 500m – and slow corners, this track provides plenty of overtaking and is considered a fast circuit. It is very hard on brakes and a good set-up is crucial to make use of overtaking opportunities.
In the past, Zhuhai was a circuit that was known for the regions best getting results, though a rapid increase in driver standards and experience over the previous few seasons have closed the gap, now a circuit that many know well, Tan included.
“It’s going to be our fifth visit to the Zhuhai Circuit and we’ve got enough data to go on. It’s not just about local knowledge anymore.” said race driver Tan. “We will be running a sightly different approach to the weekend compared to previous race meets, so we’ll see how the new system goes. Everyone is looking for time, so its going to be tough no doubt.”
The popular circuit has enjoyed a fantastic history since its construction, hosting major motorsport events including the FIA GT Championships, A1, Champ car and the Intercontinental Le Mans, while also been included in the 1999 Formula One World Championships Provisional Calendar.
“It’s an absolutely pleasure to race here,” continued Tan. “It is a fantastically built circuit, by far the best in China outside of the Formula One circuit in China. There’s a lot of overtaking going on so its going to be cool.”
Recently memory of the Zhuhai Circuit is not all rosy for the Singaporean driver however, his last visit resulting in a massive turn 1 accident that involved 14 cars in total, across two separate incidents.
“Yeah it’s not good that happened in 2012. Though lets hope all of us in Carrera Cup can learn from our past experiences. That was a horrific accident for many involved.” Watch Yuey Tan as he is back in action, with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia on Mar 3-5 in Zhuhai, China.
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