Kiwi driver Andrew Waite and co-driver Yann Clariay treated fans at the Shanghai International Circuit to a thrilling race win in the 2017 FRD LMP3 Series on Sunday. The #17 PTRS crew of Clariay/Waite managed to overcome a 20s deficit and took the win on the last corner of the last lap. The pair had previously finished fourth in Saturday’s Sprint race.
It was the fastest qualifier Mathias Beche (#95 Craft Bamboo) who got a clean start taking the lead into the first lap. French driver Yann Clairay was immediately challenging for a top three position after starting third on the grid.
Pit stops and driver changes saw a change in the running order. Waite took over from Clairay with a large 20s deficit. A relentless charge from the Kiwi closed the gap as the race headed to its conclusion. Heading into the final lap there was just three seconds to the leader Pu Jujin in the #18 KCMG.
Pu Jujin made a mistake in the braking zone of T14 which allowed Waite to get the switch-back and take the lead. Waite completed the overtake just before the final corner of the final lap to score a well deserved victory.
Two other Kiwi drivers were also in action over the weekend. Simon Evans and co-driver Rainey finished sixth in both the sprint and feature races.
Andre Heimgartner made his debut in the series with S & D Motorsports Malaysia team mate Tim Macrow. They finished 10th in the Sprint race and finished fifth in front of Evans/Rainey in the second race of the weekend.
Drivers and teams face one more round in the series at the Zhuhai International Circuit 15-17 September.
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