Munro first in class at Asian Le Mans opener

James Munro’s #51 KCMG Porsche GT3 Cup team (Christian Ried, James Munro and Paul Ip) won their GT Am class and finished eighth overall at the opening round of the 2015/16 Asian Le Mans Series at the Fuji Speedway in Japan last weekend. The race was part of the support category for the FIA World Endurance Championship held at the circuit.

The driver pairing of Shinji Nakano and Nicolas Leutwiler, in the #8 Race Performance Oreca 03 R Judd were first overall.

In the GT class, pole setters Clearwater Racing, with their #3 McLaren 650S GT3, crossed the line 2nd overall, (Mok Weng Sun, Keita Sawa and Rob Bell).

This first race at Fuji has shown the potential for the series moves on to Sepang in Malaysia for the next round 6-8 November.

Patrick Dias, Michelin (Asia-Pacific Motorsport Director): “We are happy with the new start of the Asian Le Mans Series and we’ve had good feedback from the teams concerning the new organisation and structure of the 2015/16 Asian Le Mans Series. They are sounding positive towards a stronger commitment in the future. The ticket to the 24 Hours of Le Mans race is interesting leverage.”

Cyrille Taesch Wahlen, Asian LMS Managing Director: “This first event was really promising. We’ve been lucky to launch our new season with the WEC at Fuji, and also had the support of the journalists. Things are looking good, with the ACO announcing that Dome will be the 5th LM P3 chassis manufacturer. Due to the calendar clashes, we unfortunately couldn’t have more cars here with us this weekend, but there will be a few additions at Sepang (6-8 November).

Benjamin Carrell is a freelance motorsport writer and currently edits talkmotorsport.co.nz. He writes for a number of Kiwi drivers and motorsport clubs. That's when he's not working in his horticultural day-job or training for the next road or mtb cycle race!

https://talkmotorsport.co.nz

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