Dream debut for Aidan Read with victory in Malaysia with Algarve Pro
Posted on January 23, 2017 Tags: Aidan Read Malaysia.
HUGE WIN FOR LOCAL HERO
WEST AUSSIE Aidan Read had a dream start in his LMP2 his racing debut with Algarve Pro Racing in the weekend’s season finale of the 2016/17 Asian Le Mans Series on Malaysia’s F1 circuit at Sepang.
The 19-year-old and his teammates – Andrea Pizzitola and Andrea Roda – secured the race win and with it, the overall series championship for their Portuguese team.
And, the icing on a palatable cake – an automatic entry to the Le Mans 24H!
“We’re completely ecstatic,” said Algarve team manager Samantha Cox. “We knew we had to take the win and that was always the objective. “It was perhaps a bit of good fortune that we didn’t make the best start from the pole and, with the Eurasia and Race Performance cars colliding, this gave us the perfect opportunity. And we took it.”
No surprise then that Aidan Read was over the moon. “To win on my debut really is a dream come true,” he said. “The whole weekend has been a real experience and it’s been great working with Algarve Pro. It’s been a real challenge stepping up to LMP2 but we showed really good pace and, after the accident at the start, we were able to move back to the front and control the pace.
“To come here and be consistent has always been the aim and I’d like to thank my two teammates Andrea Pizzitola and Andrea Roda. They’ve been really helpful and I’m delighted to have contributed to an amazing weekend for the team.
Overcoming Issues
“We had some issues with the driving position earlier in the weekend, and with the belts in the car, but we worked around those and today was just perfect,” Aidan said. It was physically tough, but I was ready for that.
“I think I have proved that I can race with the best at this level and I’m now looking forward to my next event.”
The three practice sessions ahead of the 4H of Sepang saw Aidan getting up to speed, gaining confidence with each outing and running close to the ultimate pace of his more experienced teammates.
A fantastic last lap push from Pizzitola saw the Italian claim the pole position in the #25 Ligier JSP2 Nissan on Saturday evening by just 0.008s from their nearest rival. Race day saw Roda take the first stint, before handing over to Aidan for his first laps in the LMP2 in race conditions.
Aidan completed his stint without incident, lapping quicker than those behind and extending the margin at the front of the field, before Pizzitola brought the car home to secure the win and title with Algarve Racing.”
“To win this title and to get an automatic entry to Le Mans is fantastic,” said Samantha Cox. “Last year we were on the reserve list and we didn’t get the go-ahead until the March 23, and then it was all a bit of a rush. With this, we can plan and prepare in a better way. This really is a big prize.”
Now it’s full speed ahead to prepare for the European Le Mans Series and, of course, the prestigious Le Mans 24H!
For more information on Aidan Read and his racing activities, please visit the official www.aidanread.com.au website, ‘like’ his Facebook page or view content on his YouTube channel.
Aidan’s Facebook page
Aidan’s Twitter account
Aidan’s Website
Aidan’s YouTube channel
For media information, please contact
David Madgwick
BAM Motorsport Promotions:
+44 (0)1442 891 500
dmadgwick@bam-promo.com
www.bam-promo.com
Copyright © 2017 BAM Motorsports Main, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
BAM Motorsports Main
Regus House
Herald Way
Castle Donington, Eng DE74 2TZ
United Kingdom
Edited by AC, Jan 23 2017.
Leave a Reply