05/28/2012

Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo Asia Series inaugural race in Sepang, Malaysia

Italian supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini and luxury Swiss watchmaker Blancpain enjoyed a sensational debut to their first ever Asia Series of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo at the Sepang International Circuit this weekend. Already in its fourth year in Europe, the Super Trofeo Championship in Asia will now provide an exclusive platform for Gentlemen drivers, entering individually or in teams of two, to compete at the wheel of the bespoke Lamborghini Super Trofeo race car in one of the world’s fastest one-make Series. With 18 confirmed teams coming from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan, the opening weekend of the Asia Series saw the brand’s extreme, uncompromising and quintessentially Italian super race cars showcased at their best in two fiercely competitive races.

As crowds of spectators watched on, the Super Trofeo racing teams followed the racing format set for the entire season, including a 50 minutes practice session providing precious time to get accustomed to the track, before entering a 35 minutes qualifying race and two official races each 50 minutes long. A compulsory change of drivers from minute 20 to minute 30 in both official races added to the crowds’ excitement, as teams carried out their carefully rehearsed driver change while vying to keep the lead over other competitors.

This year’s Asia Series follows on from three seasons of the European Series successfully held since 2009. Having made their mark on such iconic European circuits as Spa Francorchamps and Monza, the company behind the emblematic bull and its watch partner are now ready to take on some of Asia’s highest-standard international circuits, stopping in Sepang, Fuji, Ordos, Zhuhai, Penbay and Shanghai for the Grand Finale in November.

“The Super Trofeo Asia Series is an important milestone for our company” said Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “Lamborghini is already well- known for its iconic supercars, but now we are also excited to share our passion for motorsports with other enthusiasts across Asia. We are also thrilled to have such an international group of drivers, and we look forward to follow them throughout the Series as they experience Lamborghini in its most extreme form.”

More than a motorsport event, the Super Trofeo Championship is also the ultimate lifestyle experience for those who dare to ride Lamborghini’s most extreme bull. As a luxury brand and advocate of expert craftsmanship, Lamborghini is honored to partner with Blancpain, the prestigious Swiss watchmaker and the European Series’ title sponsor, for its first Series in Asia.

Mr. Delamuraz, Vice President and Head of Marketing of Blancpain said: “Over the years, Blancpain is increasing its active presence in Asia. We are really excited to launch a Super Trofeo championship in Asia this year. This new concept, similar to the Super Trofeo in Europe, will allow passionate mechanics lovers to race on Asia’s most prestigious racetracks! For Blancpain and Lamborghini, this project is the result of a mature reflexion, based on a 3 year partnership in Europe as well as on our knowledge of our local clients’ expectations.”

The Series’ debut in Sepang was held successfully alongside the famous Malaysian Super Series. Throughout the rest of the Super Trofeo Asia Series, Lamborghini and its watch partner will be working in conjunction with other major racing events across Asia, such as Formula Nippon in Japan, and Audi Pandelta Race in Zhuhai, China culminating in a big season finale in Shanghai in November with a Group final (Lamborghini ST, Audi R8 LMS Cup, VW Scirocco Cup Asia and Porsche Cup Asia).

Results Race 1

1. Liu / Rizzo (#37), China, 50:56.957

2. Wiser (#66), China, 50:57.637

3. Charlz (#99), Singapore, 51:44.872

4. Shigeru / Hideto (#10), Japan, 52:37.581

5. Chan / Tse (#88), Hong Kong, 52:41.027

6. Chou / Chen (#6), China, 52:44.837

7. Chen (#3), China, 52:51.944

8. Choi / Lau (#8), Hong Kong, 53:06.815

9. Henry / Se (#22), China, 54:18.005

10. Motoaki (#12), Japan, 51:16.085

11. Cheng / Lok (#2), China, 51:26.437