Phoenix Racing Asia is an extension of multiple GT and DTM championship winners Phoenix Racing. The team was created in December 2015 when renowned Hong Kong racing driver Marchy Lee joined forces with the German squad.
Phoenix Racing Asia’s commitment to the new series ensures the rekindling of its rivalry with FFF Racing Team. The two fought hard for the GT Asia drivers’ and teams’ crowns in 2016 before the latter ultimately claimed both titles at the final round.
Phoenix Racing Asia will be keen for revenge this year, though, as it bids to add further silverware to an already impressive collection. The team’s German half is best known for its European exploits having won the prestigious Nurburgring 24 Hours no less than four times. The third of those titles came in 2012 when it also triumphed overall at the Total 24 Hours of Spa (its second victory in the Belgian classic) and Bathurst 12 Hours.
Its links with SRO-run championships and events are also strong. Phoenix Racing entered the FIA GT Championship in 2006-08 and in 2009 claimed the FIA GT3 European Championship title. It also currently contests the world’s biggest GT3 category, the Blancpain GT Series, and in December won the Sepang 12 Hours for the first time.
The world-renowned Balance of Performance that provides parity in the Blancpain GT Series, the US-based Pirelli World Challenge, the Australian GT Championship and Intercontinental GT Challenge, as well as national classes and standalone races, will be introduced for the first time across Asia this year. Equally, a package aimed at helping teams and drivers generate a greater return and visibility from their racing has already been announced.
Marchy Lee, Phoenix Racing Asia: “We’re delighted to announce our entry into this year’s Blancpain GT Series Asia. SRO’s track record speaks for itself and the team’s European arm has gained success and experience from running the same Audis, BoP and Pirelli tyres in the Blancpain GT Series, so it was a logical decision to join their Asian championship from the very start. We’ve also been impressed with the entry list they’re compiling. We want to race and win at the highest level, and feel this championship offers the best opportunity to do that. All of the ingredients are in place for an excellent first season.”
Benjamin Franassovici, Blancpain GT Series Asia Manager: “It’s fantastic to welcome another team with the calibre of Phoenix Racing Asia into the Blancpain GT Series Asia fold for 2017. Phoenix’s Audis are always some of the best prepared cars on the grid, which again underlines the level of quality we’ve set out to attract. Our first four confirmed teams are also all representing different manufacturers this year, and I know that more are in the pipeline.”
The opening round of 2017’s inaugural Blancpain GT Series Asia season kicks off at Sepang in Malaysia on April 8/9.