Determined to challenge for another victory, KCMG was set to outrun its opponents in Formula Pilota’s 4th event at Guangdong International Circuit last weekend. Dan Wells and Yuta Shiraishi were in top form as they primed themselves for a weekend of intense racing.
The British driver started his weekend setting excellent pace and dominated Thursday practice. Meanwhile, his Japanese teammate demonstrated impressive potential as he completed laps and finished in 9th place.
Both drivers were consistent during the first qualifying session, with Wells securing 2nd and Shiraishi in 9th position on the grid for Race 1. The second qualifying session later that afternoon turned out to be a bit disappointing for Wells as he dropped to 6th position while Shiraishi started 9th on the grid for Race 2.
Focused to deliver another podium for the team, Wells was off to a good start during Race 1 and was challenging for the lead on Lap 1 when the third place car of Sean Gelael collided into him, damaging the Tatuus FA010’s tyres and steering. After a pitstop to replace the damaged tire, Wells rebounded and finished in 8th place with the fastest lap while Shiraishi, who was competing in his first car race, finished in 7th place.
The afternoon race became equally challenging after Wells, who had another good start from pole position, was removed from the lead at turn one due to contact from Parth Ghorpade which dropped Wells to last position. Shiraishi maintained 7th place for Race 2 while Wells finished in 5th place after a strong drive through the field.
As the drivers returned to the circuit the following morning with renewed confidence, Wells made an excellent comeback and finished in 4th place while Shiraishi was consistent with his performance and finished 7th in Race 3.
The 15 year-old Japanese rookie couldn’t be happier with the results that he delivered over the weekend. Shiraishi expressed, “I’m very happy with my first race weekend in Formula Pilota. The team and myself worked very well together and made progress throughout the weekend. I was consistent and made no mistakes, this gives me a good base and I look forward to my next car race weekend.”
Wells, who is eyeing the championship title this season, expressed his dissatisfaction with how things transpired over the race weekend. Wells was quoted, “I’m bitterly disappointed to have come away from the weekend with little to show. At a time when we should have taken maximum points, and to even get pole with a damaged car, and to be leading by quite a way into the corner before being hit, a total of 3 times throughout the weekend is unbelievable. I will put this behind me though and we will win this championship, I am certain.”
KCMG Deputy Managing Director John O’Hara believes that the team exerted great efforts and is not disheartened by the results garnered over the weekend, “The team faced several challenges that were beyond our control and that is part of racing. Dan and Yuta did a good job in Guangdong. We’re glad to be moving on to the next round in Malaysia and we are looking forward to stronger results.”
The fifth event of Formula Pilota shall take place at Sepang International Ciruit in Malaysia on November 4-5.
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