Championship battle set to heat up in Shanghai

Aston Martin Racing is set for another weekend of thrilling racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), as the team head into the penultimate round of this year’s series in the heat of a title battle.

Home of Aston Martin Racing’s first WEC victory in 2012, the 5.4km Shanghai International Circuit will form the battleground for the eighth round of this year’s championship, as the team pursue their title dreams.

In GTE Pro, the #95 V8 Vantage GTE of Nicki Thiim (DN) and Marco Sørensen (DN) currently lead the title race on 119 points; ten clear of their nearest rivals.

With a maximum of 52 on offer, the pair will look to score well in China by adding to their four podium visits throughout 2016, including their first GTE Pro victory in Austin last month.

The GT Manufacturers’ race is a tighter affair with a mere three points separating the team and its nearest rival. After demonstrating consistent and dominant form in Mexico and Austin, the team will be looking to replicate that and reclaim their lead in the table.

In GTE Am, the #98 entry of Paul Dalla Lana (C), Mathias Lauda (A) and Pedro Lamy (P) are also riding high after victories in both Austin and Fuji. With championship victory achievable, the crew will be searching for a third straight victory to continue to reduce the deficit and maximise their chances of success in the Middle East.

Paul Howarth, Aston Martin Racing Team Principal said, “We find ourselves in a strong position for the GT championships going into this weekend’s race in Shanghai and that’s no accident. The team are more prepared than ever to do battle on the track and ensure we make the most of the opportunities presented to us. With two rounds remaining, we’re conscious that every point is vital, particularly when the championship race is as close as this!”

The 6 Hours of Shanghai begins at 11:00 local time on Sunday 6 November.