72,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) at the Circuito da Guia saw a thrilling GT Asia Series season finale and an impressive performance by Asia Racing Team driver Li Zhi Cong. The Chinese young driver clinched the third win of the 2012 season in GT Asia Series by finishing sixth place overall in Macau GT Cup.Knowing in advance of his slim chances of being champion, Li gritted his teeth and brought his Porsche 911 GT3 R across the finish line as winner. The Guangzhou native started from P9 overall and second of GT Asia Series competitors but he was keen to win. The 19-year old rookie of the year managed to grab the first position on lap 4 when he took his rival by surprise at Mandarin Oriental bend. Once at the front, Li cruised uncontested to his third GT Asia Series win of the season. Thanks to this result, he finished second in GT Asia Series drivers standings and was the first Mainland Chinese to stood in the highest step of the Macau Grand Prix podium.Starting 22nd on the grid, teammate Keith Chan had a flawless race wherein he made good use of the Porsche speed in the straight lines and emerged out as 18th. Local hero Rodolfo Avila, who had struggled with engine limitations during the whole weekend, finished the race in 24th.Quotes from the Asia Racing Team drivers after the race at Macau. Li Zhi Cong (#9 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup)I am very happy and would like to thank Asia Racing Team for a job well done. I have been improving throughout the weekend. In the race I took Mok at Mandarin and he was a gentleman, he didnt block me. After that I just kept the car on the track and followed the front-runners. This race went well and after the mistake that I made in the last race in Autopolis, losing 10 points so I cant win the Championship but maybe next year.
Keith Chan (#11 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup)My assessment after the first race with a Porsche 911 GT3 R is very positive. The car is very different to drive compared to the Lamborghini I drove here last year. I was not in racing mood this weekend and the race had ups and downs but basically I pulled through and achieved my goal.
Rodolfo Avila (#20 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup)You could tell that we were lacking pace. We struggled from the first free practice with lack power. In the race I fought hard for positions but there is no way I could keep up with the GT3 cars in the long straights of Guia circuit. Hope to be back in Macau with a winner car next time.
