Archive 2010

Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Marina Bay Circuit, September 25-26, 2010 – Rounds 7 & 8Team Jebsen Rises to Singapore Challenges

Team Jebsen faced a string of challenges at the 2010 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX at the weekend, with both rain and scorching heat to deal with as well as the demanding Marina Bay street circuit.

By their very nature, street circuits present a unique set of challenges, and are vastly different to purpose-built tracks which are designed specifically for race cars, with cambers and drainage to ensure water dissipates almost immediately. Avila, with only limited experience of racing the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in the wet, was faced with yet another challenge as the heavens opened above Singapore, and the rain began to fall heavily before qualifying.

The session was declared as wet, and as Team Jebsen prepared for the crucial 30-minute session, they knew their driver would need to call upon every ounce of experience and skill to negotiate the quickest way around the track without losing control of the car. With less than two hours between qualifying and the first race of the weekend, there simply wasn’t time to make substantial repairs.

Avila delivered, putting the Team Jebsen Porsche 5th on the grid for the start of the 12-lap race without a scratch, shaving more than seven seconds off his earlier practice time.

Said Avila: "The set up was much better – a big improvement. There was a lot of water on the track to start with, so the race will be damp. This is only the third time I’ve driven the car in the rain. I’m getting more accustomed to it, but I was so hoping it wouldn’t rain this weekend!"

Almost immediately, the first race was upon them, and Team Jebsen was faced with a dilemma. With menacing clouds overhead and a wet track, but no rain falling, the options were to send Avila out on slicks and risk disaster if the clouds broke, or electing wets which would put the team at a huge disadvantage on a drying track.

The choice was made, and Avila lined up on the 23-strong grid with his Team Jebsen Porsche 911 GT3 Cup shod with slicks. The decision proved to be the correct one, and saw Avila cross the line just one place shy of a podium finish.

Sunday dawned with blue skies, and Team Jebsen heaved a collective sigh of relief. Avila fought hard, and showed the team was on the pace, but he was held up in the early stages which gave the cars ahead to pull out a lead. The loss of a front splitter on the car dealt a further blow to the team’s chances of a podium in Singapore, slowing the car. However, Avila held on to collect a 5th place finish.

"We did our best, and we for sure had the pace this weekend. It was tough for everyone, but it was a shame we just missed out on the podium," said Avila. "I’m looking forward to Shanghai next month."

Team Jebsen returns home to China next month, for two rounds as part of the China Touring Car Championship at the Shanghai International Circuit on October 22-24.

Background:

Team Jebsen is backed by the Jebsen Group. Established in 1895 in Hong Kong, the Group has since expanded its activities into a comprehensive business network throughout China, Taiwan and South Korea. Today, the Jebsen Group is structured around four strategic business units targeting the consumer, industrial, beverage and luxury sectors. Jebsen is a name synonymous with Porsche in the region, having first brought the marque to Hong Kong in 1955. Since then, the Jebsen Group has become the largest and longest-established Porsche dealer group in Asia. In addition to Porsche Centre Hong Kong, the group operates Porsche Centres in Macau, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

9/29/2010