Meritus GP’s Aidan Wright was left feeling slightly disgruntled following a highly frustrating weekend in the Formula Masters China Series (FMCS) at the ultra-modern Ordos International Circuit (5-7 July).
Wright, backed by SLY Collective – an original Australian underwear brand that embodies the Gold Coast lifestyle – entered the weekend brimming with confidence, expecting to continue his sublime run of form by adding yet more race wins and podium finishes to his rapidly increasing tally.
The Cairns-domiciled racer topped the timesheets during free practice, which was curtailed due to concerns over the safety measures put in place by the newly-inaugurated Ordos circuit.
However, Wright’s weekend began unravelling in qualifying when a spin at the sweeping Turn 5 on his first flying lap put him out of contention. He speared off the track at high-speed and, despite a valiant effort to recover, was unable to resume and ended up 12th.
Never to be deterred, the rapid 18-year old Australian returned to action in the second part of qualifying, trading fastest lap times with Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG’s Akash Nandy and Meritus GP team-mate Afiq Yazid before ending the session with the third fastest time.
Further issues with the Inner Mongolian-based circuit hampered proceedings on Sunday. The first race was started under the Safety Car, but an impressive effort saw Wright surge up to a highly respectable sixth place – some consolation after the disappointment of qualifying.
A fraught second race culminated in a well-earned fourth place result for Wright, who battled hard having been unable to optimise his car’s setup for a dusty Ordos circuit that evolved constantly as the weekend progressed.
It was eventually decided that the third and final race should be postponed until the FMCS resumes at the Inje Auto Theme Park (9-11 August). Therefore, Rounds 9, 10, 11 and 12 will all be held on Korean soil, where the Volkswagen Group China-backed series will reach its crucial mid-point of the season.
“My weekend in Ordos began well, but the weekend didn’t go to plan,” said an underwhelmed Wright. “On the whole, it was a very frustrating and disappointing weekend for me. The reduced practice time prevented us from finding a decent setup and my spin in qualifying put me on the backfoot, so I was unable to maximise the races.
“It’s now or never as the season nears its conclusion. I’m already looking forward to Korea, as the Inje track is new and very technical, which is where my driving style shines. Until then, I’m back in Australia for some R&R and will be spending the next month glued to the simulator.”
To keep abreast of Formula Masters China Series’ race results, visit the www.formulamasterschina.com
For more information on Aidan Wright and his racing activities, please visit the officialwww.aidanwrightracing.com website, ‘like his Facebook page or follow @aidanwright_94on Twitter.