Super Trofeo storms Malaysia in round 2
Lamborghini surged across the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur’s sun-bound Sepang on June 28-30, as new and exciting dynamics, new upgrades and a new diversity of gentlemen drivers took on the Sepang International Circuit.
Last year a new milestone in Lamborghini history was created at the Sepang International circuit, as it was this prestigious track chosen to launch the inaugural Super Trofeo Series in the Asian continent. After a spectacular start to this year’s season at the Shanghai International Circuit, this second round of the Super Trofeo Asia Series 2013, presented by the Italian manufacturer of luxury sports cars Automobili Lamborghini and luxury Swiss watchmaker Blancpain, gave spectators an exhilarating performance.
This racing weekend brings Super Trofeo to a whole new level of diversity, welcoming two new Malaysian teams, the celebrated actor and singer Ryu Si-won from Korea, and for the first time ever two female competitors, Rally Marina Sa from Indonesia and Mika Kagoshima from Japan. Gentlemen drivers from Indonesia, who joined the race in four different cars, brought further thrills to the series.
Under tropical conditions and a track proceeded by name, gentlemen drivers entered the nerve-racking heat and blistering track features of the world renowned Sepang International Circuit. Following Friday’s 30 minute practice session, two 15 minute qualifying rounds to determine the rankings for this round preceded race 1, an endeavor for the best lap-time that aroused the racing vigor of every team competing.
In Race 1 on Saturday, Group A saw an epic performance from Kazushi Kitaura and Hideto Yasuoka (#10) from Japan, whom having climbed the positioning board with a mind for persistence and an eye on the podium, won them a well deserved first place. Home representing team Zen Low/Dilantha Malagamuwa (#69) of Malaysia and Sri Lanka triggered emotional excitement as they demonstrated extraordinary determination to finish in second place. After leading the starting grid following a tremendous best lap time in the qualifying rounds, victors from Shanghai Wiser/Xin (#9) finished third in this exciting first race.
In group B, drivers drifted in and out of pole position in a fierce contest for final victory that saw Andrea Garbagnati (#6) seize the overall victory. Taking to the podium for the very first time in this year’s championship were China’s Zheng Ting and Steven Lin (#66), whose second place victory was followed by Jeff Lu (#38) of Taiwan in third, who also made his glorious debut onto the podium.
Race 2 on Sunday saw an inspiring race performance from Group A fill the circuit with a gleaming sensation of pride as the champion emerged as Malaysia's very own Afiq Yazid (#2), whose leading position throughout the majority of the race set uncompromising standards for the other drivers following eagerly behind. Marking their fourth consecutive podium finish in this year’s championship, highly successful team Wiser/Xin (#9) of China made an impressive return to the front to win second place. From Japan, Yakinori Taniguchi (#12) displayed remarkable determination and driving skills that won him third place and indeed his debut victory in the Super Trofeo Asia Series.