28 Jul 2017 Battle smoke rising in Shanghai: FRD LMP3 series ready to rumble in Shanghai

On 29-30 July, FRD LMP3 series is about to commence in Shanghai. After the first round, the drivers are more accustomed to the race cars and their fellow drivers. They are now better prepared and will surely raise their games.

After the previous round, Craft Bamboo Racing #95 now leads the teams standings with 29 points. Eurasia #3 is in second position 2 points behind. KCMG #18 is in third place with 26 points. The top three are very close in terms of points and all of them will be looking to break away here.

In the second group, PTRS #17 has 18 points and is in fourth position. S&D Motorsport #3 and Craft Bamboo #20 are both on 17 points. The three caars are tightly packed. Could one of them break away in Shanghai?

There are some driver changes for this round. S&D Motorsport #33 has changed its line up. Ma Qing-Hua will have a new teammate. French Supertourisme driver Natan Bihel will join him. On the other hand Craft Bamboo Racing #20 and S&D Motorsport #25 are also changing their line ups. All of them are looking for better results in Shanghai.

At 16:45 on 28 July, FRD LMP3 series has its first practice session in Shanghai. At the end, Craft Bamboo Racing #95 driven by James Winslow and Mathias Beche finished quickest with a 2:04.169. Second quickest is KCMG #18 driven by Neric Wei and Josh Burdon, with a time of 2:04.344. Third quickest is PTRS #17 driven by Andrew Waite and Yann Clairay, their time is 2:04.450.

For the opening race tomorrow, KCMG driver Neric Wei said FRD LMP3 series race in Shanghai is a big challenge for the drivers and teams. But the drivers are more in tune with the team now and results will likely improve. Being able to race against so many top drivers has benefitted him. If there is the opportunity he would like to challenge the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Ma Qing-Hua from S&D Motorsport said Shanghai circuit is an upgrade compared with Zhejiang circuit. It is more suitable for the performance of LMP race cars. There are many high speed corners that allows me to experience the downforce. The first turn and second turn are good overtaking spots. For tomorrow's race, the teams and drivers are ready, the only concern is the heat. If it is very hot tomorrow then it will be a test for the gearbox.

The high competition level of the FRD LMP3 series has attracted the interest of well known brands such as Fiji Water, Cadillac and Moet & Chandon.