21 Dec 2013 AFR R9 Q: Shigetomo Shimono storms to pole to keep title fight alive

Buzz Racing’s Shigetomo Shimono took a vital pole in R9 of 2013 AFR Series as he takes a last chance to challenge the championship while Asian Class’s Leo Ye flew in his KRC machine and will start alongside Shimono, ahead of Championship leader Julio Acosta.

The qualifying session took place in a cool and windy morning at the Zhuhai International Circuit and the cold track took its toll to Champ’s Bob Yuan as he went off in only his sighting lap. As the track is cleared, the leading drivers then started doing then flyer.

Leo Ye was the initial pace setter, and he kept his place till Shimono did a 1:36.279 in the closing stage of the session. Shimono then kept his place and his hope for the title. His championship rival Julio Acosta from Champ will start 3rd.

Series returnee Jim Ka To did a good job and secure 4th ahead of PS Racing’s Pete Olson. A trio of ART drivers, Leo Wong, Thomas Luedi and Eitan Zidkilov will start in 6th, 7th and 8th respectively.

PS Racing’s Neric Wei was stripped of his best qualifying lap because of violating the track limit and had to settle for 9th, while Asian Class Championship leader Jason Kang will start in 10th. Newcomer Karl Yip and Guillaume Cunnington will start behind.