Audi Hong Kong enters an exciting new chapter at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia this week, with the unveiling of an Audi RS3 LMS entry into the TCR Asia Series, in partnership with the Hong Kong-based Phoenix Racing Asia team.
The TCR version of the Audi RS 3 sedan provides customer sport at Audi with an even broader platform for it’s customer racing program. TCR is an international format that has attracted competition from manufacturers around the world.
The successful global touring car concept is in its third season in Asia, but for Audi Hong Kong, this is their first year with the stunning new four-door RS3 LMS TCR, a car which made its public debut in late 2016. The proven four-cylinder 2-litre TFSI engine fitted under the hood of the RS3 LMS delivers a total output of 330hp and allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 240km/h.
“The Audi RS3 LMS TCR signals a new era for Audi Hong Kong,” said Mr Rene Koneberg Managing Director of Audi Hong Kong. “Off the back of the highly successful Audi R8 LMS GT3 program we are glad that Audi Sport has developed a complete new RS3 LMS, showcasing the technology transfer from motorsport to production vehicles perfectly.”
Driving duties will rest on the shoulders of 17-year old Hong Kong driver Jasper Thong in the No.10 RS3 LMS TCR. The new recruit is looking forward to the chance to compete on the big stage, adding the TCR Asia Series challenge to his 2016 programs in the AFR open-wheel development category, and a cameo appearance in the one-make Audi R8 LMS Cup.
“I’m excited to have Jasper Thong in the Audi Hong Kong team, following the foundations laid by established Hong Kong drivers Marchy Lee and Shaun Thong, it will be great to watch his career continue to develop as the season unfolds”, Rene Koneberg added.
“It’s a big step for me, but a step I feel ready to take,” Thong admitted. “All my life I have been surrounded by motorsport, it’s something that has been a big part of my life, and I have spent a lot of time concentrating on building my career in karts and open-wheelers. I’m ready for the challenge, and looking forward to what TCR Asia has to offer, whilst representing proudly Audi Hong Kong and Phoenix Racing Asia.”
Despite no laps in the new RS3 LMS TCR, Thong will enjoy two days of private testing on the 15-turn, 5.543-kilometre Malaysian Grand Prix circuit alongside his TCR Asia Series rivals on the Wednesday and Thursday immediately ahead of the opening event, where he expects to complete plenty of laps adapting to the driving style of the front-wheel-drive turbo 2-litre touring car, ahead of Sunday’s two 30-minute races.
Round 1 2017 TCR Asia Series (Sepang international Circuit, Malaysia) schedule:
Friday, 10 March, 2017
10:00am – Practice No.1 (30-minutes)
3:45pm – Practice No.2 (30-minutes)
Saturday, 11 March, 2017
11:25am – Practice No.3 (30-minutes)
4:15pm – Qualifying No.1 (20-minutes)
4:40pm – Qualifying No.2 (20-minutes)
Sunday, 12 March, 2017
10:05am – Race No.1 (11-laps)
2:30pm – Race No.2 (11-laps)
