Aidan Read travelled to Fuji Speedway last weekend (21-22 July) for event 4 of the Blancpain GT Series Asia. For Aidan, the Craft-Bamboo Racing team and teammate Darryl O’Young, encouraging speed was shown early on Saturday with genuine top 10 pace overall. Execution during the weekend’s peak in qualifying is the next step required to achieve a complete weekend and join the front of the field.
Top speed: 272 Km/h
Average lap speed: approximately 46 meters per second
Revised circuit layout due to surface damage in the Dunlop chicane saw faster lap times recorded across the field.
“I was very happy with the progress on the car in free practice and we were confident after showing solid top ten speed in FP3. This was a big improvement from previous races.
“Qualifying didn’t go to plan and that was when the speed counted most. We missed the window of traffic, tyre strategy and timing of a fast lap, which in Blancpain GT is the difference between a top five and mid-field positioning.
“We started the races below where we were hoping but managed to drive up the field on both days. The race pace of cars 911 and 991 were very close and competitive, but in these sprint races the qualifying sets the trajectory of the races and that is where we can improve next time. This is the most important piece of the puzzle of having a smooth, trouble free race.
“My speed is there, which is encouraging. The team is gelling after every new experience which is very important. Execution in Shanghai is our next performance target.”
Aidan remains on the move between Blancpain GT Asia rounds. He is returning to University in Perth, travelling to Thailand for LMP3 coaching with Eurasia Motorsport, and joining Arise racing for testing and coaching whilst at home. Aidan’s engineering studies, racing and coaching events will continue to gather momentum over the next six months.