Asian Supercar series champion Rodolfo Avila starts his first Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) campaign this weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit without knowing for how long he will be around.
The Asia Racing Team driver was the very first official race winner at Shanghai International Circuit (2004) and his very confident for the new season, which gets underway in support of the 2009 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix.
Speaking ahead of his season start and PCCA debut, Avila commented “It's great to be going to the first race of the season but I don’t know what is going to happen next. At the moment, I don't know how long I'll be around. We're trying tremendously hard behind the scenes to puttogether a full programme for 2009. I’ll do my best this weekend hoping it helps to complete my season’s budget. I want to express my gratitude to BNU, RP Macau, Fat Siu Lau Restaurant, Sujika Crafts and PAL Asiaconsult for their support, encouragement and belief in this project”.
Reigning, former and potential champions join new faces for this season’s dazzling crop of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia talent and, with one of the most exciting race calendars in the series’ history. The international well-known Macanese driver began his career in karts, before going on to clinch the Asian and China Formula Renault Challenge titles. He competed in first Asian and then British Formula 3, and International Formula Masters, before making a successful switch to sportscars last year.
“I had the opportunity to drive the car (Porsche 997 GT3 RSR) just one time in Malaysia’s Official Test Days but I hope to be at the front from the beginning with all the favourites. I’m still adapting to the car as it is a new style of driving for me. It would be very good if I can finish both races in top-5. We're certainly not there to make up the numbers”, held the 22-year-old from Macau SAR.
The event kicks off with free practice at 16.00 on Friday 17 April. Saturday features the Qualifying at 12.25 (local time) and the Race 1 at 15.35. The second 15-lap race will take place at 12.30 on Sunday 19 April. April 14
