GT Asia all set for Season opener in AFOS Event at the Korea International Circuit

The highly anticipated 2014 GT Asia Series is set to get underway at the Asian Festival Of Speed Event Korea International Circuit on 16th -18th May 2014, home of the F1 Korean Grand Prix from 2010 - 2013.

Originally, the GT Asia Series planned to start at the Inje Circuit, also in South Korea, but a last minute cancellation from the local promoter forced the Series organisers to find an alternative.

“I was not happy when I got the last minute phone call from Inje, we were two days away from shipping our cars and equipment when we had the rug pulled out from under us. Fortunately, we were able to conclude a deal at KIC for the replacement event, which will also be supported by the local Government, and most importantly keeps us in South Korea. Quite frankly, this is a better option for us anyway as far as I am concerned, the only problem was that it was not possible to do it on the same date and so some people had clashes,” said David Sonenscher joint Series Director for GT Asia.

Despite this small hiccup for the start of the Season, GT Asia is set to have its strongest year ever, with 30 competitors registered for the Series. A number of single event entries are expected at each round and so the grid numbers are proof positive of the continued growth and interest being generated in the Championship.

“We have tried to listen to what the competitors want and develop the Series to suit their needs and desires, whilst continuing to move forward in upgrading the professionalism year on year. It seems to be working,” stated Paul Yao Joint Series Director.

With nearly every GT3 manufacturer represented on the grid the variety and competitiveness of the field is set to provide the maximum excitement for the coming year. Scores are out to be settled, desires pursued and points to be proven as the Teams and Drivers gear up for a fierce year of hard battles ahead.

In the GT3 category, Ferrari will be represented by four entries, whilst there will also be the same number of Aston Martins. Audi will be returning with three Absolute Racing R8 LMS Ultras to put in a strong challenge for the Championship. Two cars will represent Lamborghini, with a single car representation for AMG’s SLS GT3, the McLaren MP4-12C and the newcomer, Nissan GTR GT3.

In GTM, the strongest entry will be from the Porsche and Ferrari with five cars each. Audi will be represented by two LMS Cup Cars, with a single entry from Lamborghini and Lotus respectively.

Team and driver line ups are set to be announced within the next few days and are highly anticipated. Teams are of course playing their cards very close to their chests as the driver combinations play a vital role in their assault on the Title.

Out of respect to the victims of the recent Ferry tragedy in South Korea, the promotion for the event has been severely scaled down and the Organisers extend their deepest sympathies to the Families of the victims of this terrible tragedy.

Following the race in Korea, the GT Asia Series will pack and immediately move to the Autopolis Circuit in Japan for its next event just two weeks later on 30th May - 1st June this will be followed by the second Japanese event, which will be held at the Fuji Speedway Circuit, both of these are Series favourites. An August 15th - 17th date at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is followed by a second event scheduled for the middle of September (12th - 14th). The Championship will then make a trip to China in October before ending once again at the iconic Macau Grand Prix on 13th - 16th November.

Motorsport Media