GT World Challenge Asia: Yu Kuai Secures Dramatic Victory in Thailand
Chang International Circuit, Thailand – James Yu Kuai delivered an exhilarating performance, overtaking Deng Yi on the final lap to clinch his first win of the season at the GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS. Yu, along with teammate Franky Cheng Congfu and the FAW Audi Sport Asia Team Phantom, showcased a masterful drive, culminating in a close-fought race.
The race unfolded dramatically right from the start. Pole-sitter Luo Kailuo and Cheng collided at the race’s launch, but both managed to resume racing, mitigating damage to their vehicles. The chaos on the opening lap sidelined several major contenders, including Anthony Liu Xu and Rio Ma, whose hopes of podium finishes were extinguished early.
Lu Wei and Bastian Buus took advantage of the tumult, securing a Pro-Am victory with their Origine Porsche, finishing third overall. They capitalized on a post-pitstop Safety Car period that regrouped the leading cars, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
Team 5Zigen’s Nissan, driven by Hiromasa “Hirobon” Kitano and Yu Kanamaru, earned their first Silver-Am victory of the season, finishing sixth overall. Meanwhile, EBM’s Setiawan Santoso and Martin Berry triumphed in the Am class, fending off challenges from Garage 75’s David Tjiptobiantoro and Christian Colombo.
As the race progressed, chaos continued with a mix of strategic pit stops and on-track incidents. A critical moment occurred when Race Control enacted a Full Course Yellow, bunching the field and enabling a fierce battle in the closing laps.
With ten minutes remaining, the race resumed, and Yu capitalized on his positioning, tracking Deng closely. Employing superior traction out of Turn 3, Yu executed a stunning outside maneuver to take the lead and ultimately secure victory.
Post-race penalties shuffled the finishing order, with Audi’s second entry, piloted by Bao Jinlong and Markus Winkelhock, claiming a notable fifth after starting from 18th.
Race 1 Results:
- James Yu Kuai / Franky Cheng Congfu (FAW Audi Sport Asia Team Phantom)
- Deng Yi (Harmony Racing Ferrari)
- Lu Wei / Bastian Buus (Origine Porsche)
This event solidifies the ongoing competitiveness within the GT World Challenge Asia series, as teams continue to battle for the championship against a backdrop of high-stakes racing and strategic play.
