Together with FMCS, the Audi R8 LMS Cup is part of the Volkswagen Group China motorsport family, and Parsons’ invitation to join the first one-make series from the brand with the Four Rings is an example of the myriad opportunities the relationship offers to motorsport talent. As the Group continues to nurture the next generation of Chinese and Asian motorsport heroes, fledging talent such as Parsons, who won two races at Sepang last month, are rewarded with valuable opportunities to further their careers.
Parsons finished fourth in the Formula Masters China Series 2014, joining the series at the season mid-point and immediately impressing with his speed, talent and maturity. As he prepares for his maiden Audi R8 LMS Cup races, Parsons adds his name to the growing list of FMCS drivers who have applied the motorsport foundation laid in the junior ranks to more advanced series within Volkswagen Group China.
Former champion Aidan Wright and 2014 runner-up Matthew Solomon both raced with the Audi R8 LMS Cup last year, while alumnus Ronald Wu also made his Cup debut last year. Former FMCS and Star Racing Academy driver BaoJin Long is currently contesting his second season of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, while alumnus Andersen Martono made his debut there this season.
Parsons’ entry in the Audi R8 LMS Cup continues the partnership between FMCS and the Cup which began last season. In 2014, three FMCS drivers, 2014 champion James Munro, Star Racing Academy driver Yuan Bo and Martono, were awarded the opportunity of an exclusive Audi R8 LMS Cup test.
“We are delighted that Formula Masters China Series front-runner Jake Parsons will make his Audi R8 LMS Cup debut this weekend,” said Dominic Lyncker, DirectorMotorsport, Volkswagen Group China. “Now in our third season, FMCS is a proven training ground for China and Asia’s most promising young talents, and Jake racing with the Audi R8 LMS Cup further underpins the importance of the FMCS platform as well as the opportunities within the Volkswagen Group China motorsport family. We all wish Jake the best of luck this weekend, and we look forward to seeing him compete amongst the highly-competitive Audi R8 LMS Cup field of top international sportscar drivers.”
Said Rene Koneberg, Director Audi Sport customer racing Asia: “We are delighted to once again partner Formula Masters China Series in providing a bright, young talent the opportunity to further his career with the Audi R8 LMS Cup. The mission of the Audi Sport customer racing Asia platform is to remain at the forefront of Asian motorsport development, and our partnership with FMCS is one way we can reward promising drivers with new, exciting challenges. We welcome Jake Parsons to the Cup this weekend and wish him the very best on his debut.”
Rounds 3&4 of the Audi R8 LMS Cup take place this weekend at the Korea International Circuit. FMCS fans can watch Parsons in action via live streaming on www.audir8lmscup.com (English) or on LeTV (Chinese).
Formula Masters China Series Background
Formula Masters China Series (FMCS) is a new Formula series designed to develop young drivers, and adds an exciting new element to the Chinese and Asian motorsport scene. The focus of the series is to provide an affordable and equitable stage on which to nurture fledgling talent ensuring skill and not financial advantage dictate success on the race track.
FMCS is a one-make series using a state-of-the-art Formula car providing both performance and safety. With a Tatuus FA010 Carbon composite monocoque, FIA F3 homologated chassis and a 2.0 Formula engine providing 180 HP, the FMCS race car is both competitive and cost-efficient.
