Audi R8 LMS Cup: Crunch time in Shanghai

Audi R8 LMS Cup Press Release

• Audi R8 LMS Cup returns to Shanghai for Rounds 9 & 10
• Overall championship too close to call
• Steven Lin could clinch Amateur Championship this weekend

Shanghai, October 30, 2014 — The Audi R8 LMS Cup is back in Shanghai for Rounds 9 and 10 on October 31 - November 1 at the Shanghai International Circuit, together with the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). On the second visit to Shanghai this season, Alex Yoong once again sits atop the leaderboard, just ahead of André Couto and Rahel Frey. With only 15 points separating the three, the championship is still too close to call, and it’s crunch time in the Cup’s penultimate race weekend.

“I expect very intense races in Shanghai. I think the championship will only be decided at the final race weekend in Abu Dhabi,” commented Rene Koneberg, Director of Audi Sport customer racing Asia. “Our race weekend in Shanghai, alongside the World Endurance Championship, is very special for us as it brings together the Asian motorsport family of Audi with the global motorsport program and the WEC team of the brand.”

With four races left to go in the 2014 Audi R8 LMS Cup, Alex Yoong goes to Shanghai with 121 points, after retaking the lead in the overall championship with his win in Round 8. His position is not secure though, as only a two-point lead separates him from André Couto (119 points) in second place. Rahel Frey (106 points) should not be overlooked either, as she looks to bounce back from a disappointing seventh place finish in Round 8.

Gentleman driver Steven Lin strengthened his position at the top of the amateur championship with a double win in Rounds 7 and 8. With 193 points and an 80-point lead over his closest rival, Ashraff Dewal, Lin could take the Amateur title this weekend if results go his way. Qualifying will be held on Friday, October 31, with Rounds 7 and 8 taking place on Saturday, November 1.

The Audi R8 LMS Cup is being held alongside the FIA WEC 6 Hours of Shanghai this weekend. Audi is fielding two Audi R18 e-tron quattro entries in the WEC this season. The trio of André Lotterer, Benoît Tréluyer and Marcel Fässler were victorious in the event last year and the trio will be looking for another win in Shanghai to add to their victories in Le Mans and Austin earlier this season. The second Audi team consists of Loïc Duval, Lucas di Grassi and Tom Kristensen. The WEC 6 Hours of Shanghai will be held on Sunday, November 2. 

2014 Audi R8 LMS Cup
Rounds 9 & 10, Shanghai International Circuit, China
Provisional Entry List (v 1.05)

Am = Am Cup Competitor      4R = Four Rings Trophy Driver      G = Guest Driver

Photo credit: Audi R8 LMS Cup