Aidan Read is looking forward to getting back on track as the Super Trofeo Middle East season gets underway at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi next month (February 2-3).
The Australian racer returns to FFF Racing by ACM for the opening round of the championship, having competed with the Chinese-based team successfully in the Blancpain GT Series Asia in 2017.
Aidan, you ended 2017 on a high note, you must have enjoyed the off-season. What have you been up to?
“I ended 2017 on a high with a podium in the Blancpain GT Series Asia. Since my last race I attended the Lamborghini Junior Driver Program training camp in Italy and completed first year Engineering at University which I’m proud of. I’ve been working as a driver coach with Arise Racing for customers in Perth. I’ve also been focussing on training ahead of the 2018 season and I feel well prepared, with plans to race, coach and study all taken to a new level.”
You’re returning to FFF Racing by ACM for this round. This is a team you know well from last year and a great warmup for your season of racing ahead…
“This race is a useful opportunity to learn the Huracan Super Trofeo and the Yas Marina Circuit. It is also an opportunity to complete a race weekend prior to the bulk of the 2018 season. I’ll be able to see how my preparation is going, and make changes to ensure I’m well prepared for the year ahead. Most importantly, I hope to achieve a strong result in front of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse.”
You also have a new partner in Prosperity Investment Management
“I’m pleased to start a new association with Prosperity Investment Management, which I hope we can develop further. It’s an excellent opportunity to help introduce them to the Asian racing scene and I look forward to welcoming them and their guests in Abu Dhabi.”
This is your first time in competition at the Yas Marina circuit…
“Yes, this will be my first race at the circuit. I understand that it is a very complicated track with a variety of corner types. It will be important to understand the characteristics and the conditions quickly. I am familiar with the layout now after simulator preparation, so I’ll start learning the finer details from there.”
You have a new teammate for this race in Jack Bartholomew…
“I know Jack quite well from Lamborghini Accademia events last year. He will bring experience from 2017 Super Trofeo Asia and Middle East, which will be useful as I enter the team. We will be a strong Pro line-up and I hope to share success with him at the race.”