Pole, podium and points for Porsche in GT World Challenge Asia round at Sportsland SUGO
Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific customers put together a strong showing in Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2022 GT World Challenge Asia campaign at Sportsland SUGO, with all three teams scoring positive results.
In qualifying, AAS Motorsport’s Tanart Sathienthirakul took pole position for Race 1 in the #18 Porsche 911 GT3 R. The Thai driver was unfortunate to be pushed into a spin at Turn 1, but he and teammate Kantadhee Kusiri recovered well to take seventh.
In the GT3-Am class, AMAC Motorsport pair Andrew MacPherson and Ben Porter earned their sixth podium of the season as they continue to lead the standings in their attempt to defend their 2019 title. The Australian duo secured fourth in Race 2, picking up more crucial points heading into the final round.
Sathienthirakul and Kusiri secured a solid fifth place finish on Sunday, with EBM Giga Racing’s Reid Harker and Setiawan Santoso returning to the points just behind in sixth.
The 2022 GT World Challenge Asia campaign comes to a close in the next round at the Okayama International Circuit on 23-25 September.
Tanart Sathienthirakul, #18 AAS Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 R: “We were unlucky to be pushed into a spin at the start after I took pole. Following the Safety Car I tried to make the best of the situation and moved through the field. Kantadhee continued the progress and we were able to secure some good points. In Race 2 we had strong pace again and we managed to finish in the top-five, so we’re pleased with our performance.”
Reid Harker, #8 EBM Giga Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R: “I took P3 in qualifying for Race 2, which I was quite happy with. In Race 1 I made an uncharacteristic mistake, which meant we had to retire but we had a much better day on Sunday, finishing P6. We fought up the front all race and had a shot at the podium. I’m pleased for Setiawan, who showed great pace against experienced Am drivers midway through his stint.”
Alexandre Gibot, Managing Director Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Ltd.: “Overall it was a positive weekend for our teams and drivers at Sportsland SUGO. The GT World Challenge Asia season has been a good one for Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific and we’re happy with the success so far. It’s a shame Tanart Sathienthirakul was spun at Turn 1, having done so well to take pole but he and Kantadhee Kusiri didn’t give up and recovered really well. It was great to see EBM Giga Racing back in the points after a tough round last time out. And finally, AMAC Motorsport continue to put in impressive performances, and we hope they can secure the title once again at Okayama.”