Aidan Read made his GT3 race debut in the opening round of the inaugural Blancpain Asia Series this weekend (8-9 April, 2017) driving a FFF Racing by ACM Lamborghini Huracan alongside Italian teammate Alberto Di Folco at the Sepang F1 Circuit in Malaysia and quickly got to grips with the new championship and machinery.
Aidan, who is more familiar with single-seater and LMP2/3 prototype machinery at the Sepang track where he has enjoyed multiple victories over the last 12 months, approached the challenge with a level of maturity, learning from the team and his more experienced teammate through practice to arrive into Saturdays qualifying session with confidence in securing a solid grid position in the 30-car field.
However, best planning and preparation counted for little as two session stoppages in just the 15 available minutes of qualifying prevented him from completing a clear flying lap, settling for a credible 11th on the grid for the first race.
Taking the start of the first race he was thrown another curve-ball as a huge start line accident brought out the Safety Car that did little to allow him to settle into the race alongside the quality field.
When the race did restart, Aidan was able to move up to hand over the #1 Lamborghini to Di Folco in eighth position for the Italian to complete the second half of the race. The Silver/Silver graded pairing eventually had to settle for 14th place after mechanical issues delayed Di Folco.
Race two was to prove altogether more successful. Di Folco starting the Lamborghini in 14th position, after another troubled qualifying session, and soon propelled the car into eighth position and on the tail of the train of leading cars.
After the handover to Aidan at the half way point, the young Australian soon found himself comfortable with the race pace and pushed on matching the pace of the leading cars and was not challenged by those behind him. Aidan lapped consistently, pushing on to the end and bringing the car home in a very promising sixth position overall, and fourth in the Silver/Silver category for ‘pro’ drivers.
“I really enjoyed getting to grips with Lambo this weekend and working with FFF Racing, Alberto and taking all that they had to offer to help me with my GT3 learning curve. At times, it was difficult but I felt that by race two I had made big steps in the right direction that was reflected in the sixth place overall. So, I have to say that I am pleased and really can’t wait to get back in the car in a few weeks’ time.”
The six-round championship resumes at Chang International Circuit, Buriram, Thailand 20-21 May.