Audi’s action-packed ‘R8 Cup’ one make race series moves into the closing stages of the season this weekend at Japan’s Fuji Speedway with B-Quik Racing very well positioned at the top of the hotly-contested Amateur (AM) Cup championship classification with just two rounds and four races now remaining.
Having held the runners up spot in the points rankings for most of the year Daniel Bilski in the team’s #59 Audi R8 LMS Cup broke clear of the title chasing pack during the last round, held at Sepang Circuit just over four weeks ago, after superb performances in both races and he now has to tweak his strategy and primarily work to defend that useful points cushion to the end of the season.
The Australian driver has 134 points and that put him 28 clear of his closest rival, Ashraf Dewal, who is on 106, while next up are Johnson Huang (96) and Alex Au (89). However with four races still remaining this year there are a lot of points on offer, 100 to be exact, but with two strong performances in Japan Daniel could ease himself very close to the title with just one round then remaining, set to take place at Shanghai International Circuit three weeks later.
This will be B-Quik Racing’s first ever race at Fuji Speedway, or in Japan for that matter, but handily for Daniel he’s raced on this legendary 4.563-km, 16-turn circuit before, and at the wheel of the Audi R8 LMS Cup. That’s because last year Daniel guested in the series’ round at Fuji where he claimed a double podium, including a win. So that should set him up perfectly for this highly crucial weekend. He’s also been brushing up in the simulator to make sure he’s very well prepared.
It’s set to be a bumper weekend as Audi’s ‘R8 Cup’ series will support the World Endurance Championship’s visit to Fuji, which in fact will also see the opening round of the 2015/2016 Asian Le Mans Series on the programme. We’re confident though that, thanks to our hardworking and skilled crew coupled to Daniel’s ability behind the wheel and the pace of the #59 Audi R8 LMS Cup, the striking yellow-and-black signature colours of B-Quik Racing will standout in Japan.
Daniel Bilski (#59 B-Quik Racing Audi R8 LMS Cup):
“It promises to be an extremely challenging event, with a number of drivers in the series threatening for wins and podiums. Points will be extremely important, but I will be aiming at no less than the top step in each race, which is going to be exceptionally tough to achieve.
“I have ramped up my gym work and will be spending more time on the simulator with at Sideways Driving Club in Hong Kong to refresh my track memory and will try to have the mental flow of the circuit nice and clear in my mind. It’s safe to say I’ll be falling asleep each evening from now with a mental lap of the track in my head!
“I was lucky enough to race at Fuji last year in the Audi R8 LMS Cup, the only time I raced in the 2014 series. I came away from that weekend with two podiums, including a win in the AM Class. You can be sure I’ll be pushing for two wins this time, but I am under no illusions … it’s going to be a very tough fight for the top step. A fight I am ready for.
“Given it’s a WEC, Audi and Asia Le Mans weekend, it will be a huge event. Racing in Japan is always special as the tracks are spectacular, the fans are amazingly passionate and knowledgeable about racing and the overall atmosphere on a race weekend is full of energy. I’m really looking forward to joining B-Quik Racing on their first visit to the magnificent Fuji Speedway, and we will all be doing everything possible to make it a great weekend for the team.”