Australia’s Aidan Read is preparing to kick-start his 2015 Formula Masters China Series (FMCS) campaign with Eurasia Motorsport at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit this weekend (25-26 April).
Launched as part of the Vollkswagen Group’s ‘Sports Car Project China’ scheme in 2013, the FMCS tours the Asia-Pacific region’s greatest circuits. An enticing formula developed for captivating racing also ensures that only the most talented racers come to the fore; competitors are provided with equal equipment in terms of engine, chassis, fuel and tyres.
Read started his motorsport journey in Karting at the age of ten and made significant progress in the rookie category, Junior National Light and Clubman classes, before stepping into single-seaters in the WSA Sporting Car Club Formula Vee Championship, where he was awarded with both the State and Club runner-up trophies at the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) Awards.
Having developed and refined his driving skills in his native Australia, in October 2014, Read made a one-off appearance in Round 6 of the FMCS in Shanghai, China finishing strongly in the top ten on his debut.
Read has now signed to contest a full campaign with Eurasia Motorsport in 2015 and 18 races spread over six rounds in Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and China await.
The 16-year old has tested extensively with his new team over the winter months, acclimatising to his 2.0litre Tatuus single-seater, and will line-up alongside Hua Miao, Sean Hudspeth, Takeru and Asuka Muratomi and Kim Jeong Tae during the opening round at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit.
“Testing has been very beneficial for me, as I am still new to the Formula Masters China Series and I’m only 16 years old,” said Read. “Sepang is recognised as a difficult track to master and the hot, humid conditions make it very hard on tyres and drivers. As a result, it was important that I spent some solid sessions at the track.
“The Eurasia team and I feel that we have made very good progress since the start of testing in January, walking and learning the track and developing the car setup. Getting to understand the car was also a priority and I now feel more comfortable. A last-minute addition of electronic paddle gearshift will give us more to develop before the first race, but hopefully we can take what we have learnt in testing and continue to improve throughout the season.
“This first race has been my focus for years now. I feel I am ready for the challenge, and I look forward to working with the Eurasia team and pushing limits on track. If I can learn from those around me, results will come.”
For more information on Aidan Read and his racing activities, please visit the officialwww.parabolicmotorsport.com website, ‘like’ his Facebook page or view content on his YouTube channel.