Motorsport

Audi R8 LMS Cup: Alex Yoong shines on home turf, closes gap with Picariello

Local favourite Alex Yoong conquered the Sepang International Circuit for the 2nd year running with a commendable win in Round 5 of the 2016 Audi R8 LMS Cup this morning.

The defending champion was counting on the home support as he was chasing Alessio Picariello on the top of the table, and he didn’t disappoint.

It was an aggressive start from Alex in the fourth grid, and he quickly took the lead after cutting past pole-sitter Edoardo Mortara before comfortably controlling the race until the finish line.

The 40-year-old made some tactical changes with his car prior to the start and he was clearly delighted that the risk paid off.

Photo credit: Audi Motorsport
Photo credit: Audi Motorsport

“It’s a real relief to get the win as I wanted a good race. I had a good talk with the engineers and we went for an aggressive setup.

It was fortunate for me to get a good start and I went on to control the race,” he told the press.

Despite the easy win, the former F1 driver had to be content with a 6th placed finish in Round 6 due to the extra 50kg handicap on his car, as Mortara finished first ahead of Picariello and Switzerland’s Rahel Frey in an exciting yet nervy race.

After today’s results, Alex will travel to Korea for Round 7 and 8 leveled at the summit of the table with Picariello on 95 points apiece.

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