The 2017 China GT Championship is hosting its second race weekend on 8-9 July on China’s southern shore. Zhuhai is one of China’s most romantic cities, known as the City of a Hundred Islands, and is famous for its rich history in motorsport.
Zhuhai International Circuit 珠海国际赛车场
Date: July 8 - 9
Track Length: 4.3km
Turns: 14
Direction: Clockwise
GT Racing Makes Waves in China’s Motorsport
Zhuhai is the birthplace of China’s motorsport. It was home to China’s first ever street circuit racing event – the Zhuhai International Inter-City Racing Series in 1993, with other racing series such as the 1995 Shell China Zhuhai International Series, and 1996 Marlboro China Zhuhai International Series following in quick succession.
Zhuhai’s relationship with GT Racing goes back to 1994, when it hosted the BPR Global GT Series, which became the FIA GT Championship that we know and love today. In 1996, the Zhuhai International Circuit (ZIC) became China’s first FIA Grade 1 Race Circuit, and it chose the BPR Global GT Series for its international debut.
Zhuhai’s neighbouring city Macau has over 60 years of motorsport history and is frequented by the racing world’s heavy hitters. The Macau Grand Prix, one of the world’s most prestigious race meetings, has witnessed many career-defining moments of several legendary F1 drivers, such as Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. It is also now home to the FIA GT World Cup, attracting manufactures, racers and fans from around the world to this beautiful coastal city each year.
Proximity to Zhuhai and its long history with motor racing has made Zhuhai one of the most sought after places for teams and fans alike. The city-wide presence of Karting also facilitated a growing fan base. All of this has made Zhuhai the perfect place for China GT to host its second race weekend.
The Battle is On
After Beijing, the teams have collected crucial race data and ready to put their game face on for the Zhuhai rounds.
With a new fleet of Audi R8 LMS cars, KINGS hopes to extend its winning streak and star driver Xu Jia sits ready to dazzle again in Zhuhai.
FAW T2M made a strong debut in China GT with a pair of Porsche 911 GT3R. What’s up the sleeves of PCCA veteran Martin Ragginger and Japanese pop star Hiroki Yoshimoto? Let’s wait and see.
Adderly Fong of Bentley Team Absolute is one of the biggest stars on the grid of China GT. The Hong Kong-born former F1 test driver will again contest in a Bentley Continental GT3 and is ready to unleash the full potential of the beast on the Zhuhai circuit.
Reigning champion JRM has put together a bumper line up consisting of PCCA stars Chris van der Drift, Will Bamber, Maxime Jousse, and Andrew Tang. JRM has broken the Beijing Goldenport circuit lap record multiple times – how will this northern giant fare on China’s southern shore? Tune in to find out.
Audi Hong Kong’s golden livery has left a lasting impression among China GT fans. Led by legendary Hong Kong racer Marchy Lee, the team is set for a strong return in our second race weekend in Zhuhai.
With a pair of Japanese-made Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 entries, Spirit Z Racing is considered one of a kind in China GT. Macanese star Andre Couto will compete on the neighbouring grounds of Zhuhai in car #23. Will this give Spirit Z a special home advantage? Come see for yourself in July.
Alexandre Imperatori of Hard Memory Bentley Team Absolute has demonstrated incredible pace in the Beijing opener and is set to take it to the next level in Zhuhai.
D2 Racing is no stranger to the Zhuhai International Circuit - Taiwanese hotshots Kuo Kuo Hsin and Huang Hsi Chan have both scored victories in the Pan Delta Super Racing Festival here and have their eye on the podium in the China GT Championship.
Xtreme Motorsports stands out from the crowd with their uniquely shaped Radical Rxc V6 and KTM X-Bow, and is aiming to continue its success for the next round of races.
Thai driver Suttiluck Buncharoen of True Visions made an impressive start in Beijing. Zhuhai’s climate is similar to that of Thailand – will he manage to play that to his advantage?
Top Speed looked strong in Beijing. Will they further step up their game in Zhuhai?
The Winning Team has dominated the GT4 field with a single McLaren 570S GT4 and is ready to launch another title assault in Zhuhai.
The Aston Martin-backed ChinaEquity AMR has achieved podium finishes with their all AM outfit in the opening rounds in Beijing, and is gearing up for a win in Zhuhai and beyond.
Another two Aston Martin Vantage GT4 cars in the field are commanded by ZIA FEA. The two pairs of gentlemen drivers are ready to put on a stellar performance for the Zhuhai audience.
The China GT lineup will continue to grow in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned for updates and we look forward to seeing you all at the Zhuhai International Circuit.