MEDIA RELEASE: Jonathan Venter is on the hunt to secure another victory at the Shanghai International Circuit for the GT Asia Series season finale on Thursday.
After competing at the Chinese circuit for the first time in August, the Australian was able to come away with a dominant win in race two and is keen to build on this success when he hits the track for the final two races of the season later this week.
Venter will also be hoping to add to his impressive tally of three wins, the most of any driver so far and finish the season as the most decorated competitor of the GT Asia Series for 2016.
With the win in Shanghai still fresh in his mind, Venter is approaching the final two races of the season with increased confidence and feels that the #8 Bentley will be able to challenge the series leaders for the top step of the podium.
Venter says, “I am a bit sad to see the final round of GT Asia finally upon us, as it has been a rollercoaster of a year filled with both highs and lows.
“I am very excited to give it one last push with the Bentley Absolute team as they have been fantastic this year, and I’m sure after our recent success in the past round in Shanghai we will be heading into the week with much confidence.”
Shanghai will see the 2016 GT Asia Series championship decided, but due to a last minute venue change the two races will both be held on Thursday, instead of the usual Saturday and Sunday race format.
This will provide an extra challenge for Venter and will leave the Bentley Absolute Team with only limited repair time between races. Venter and his teammate, Keita Sawa, must keep the #8 Bentley unscathed in the first race to ensure they are able to fight for the podium in race two.
“Having a condensed race schedule with less track time will be challenging for us, although we are fortunate enough to have raced there back in August, so the track is still fresh in our minds. Although, with two races on Thursday, there is the added pressure to make sure we get everything right in race one,” commented Venter.
Venter’s performance during the last round in Shanghai was flawless and proved once again how unstoppable the #8 Bentley pair could be.
The young GT driver is focused on another dominant showing in China and will be pushing from the first practice session on Wednesday to piece together the perfect flying lap for qualifying later that afternoon.
With the GT Asia season coming to a close, Venter will be looking at a number of options in the GT3 class for 2017 to continue his career as one of the category’s rising stars.
“Shanghai is a great circuit that has proven to be quite tricky to perfect, but once the Bentley gets in a groove it seems to be unstoppable, so car #8 will be pushing very hard to achieve the best results possible to finish off the 2016 GT Asia season,” Venter concluded.
Quotes
Ingo Matter, Bentley Team Absolute Principal
“After the stunning last round victory in Shanghai we look forward to another strong weekend from Jonathan and Keita in the final two races of the season in China. Taking the championship title is a long shot but it is never over until it is over and I know the #8 pair will be pushing for the win! Of course we also hope to take the Teams’ championship title for Bentley Team Absolute in Shanghai as well.”
