As the Formula Masters China Series (FMCS) continues to strengthen its position as China and the region’s leading junior single-seater series, organisers have announced a new Winter Race to kick off the 2016 season.
The series has received international acclaim as a proven driver development platform and the three FMCS races that form the Winter Race will be held from January 21-24, 2016 at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit F1 facility in support of the Asian Le Mans Series.
The Winter Race will follow the usual FMCS race weekend format, with an emphasis on maximizing time in the car in competitive race conditions. With open testing on both Thursday and Friday, Saturday will comprise an official free practice, two qualifying sessions and the first of three races. Sunday’s on-track action will feature two races.
The FMCS Winter Race presents an ideal opportunity for young drivers to begin their preparations for the 2016 FMCS season, while the weekend also brings the opportunity for teams to evaluate new talent. Prize money will be awarded in the form of a contribution towards the 2016 FMCS season, while drivers will be able to measure their skills against a credible international benchmark amongst a field which this year has attracted talent from as close to home as China and Asia, and as far away from Australia, Europe and South Africa.
Established by Volkswagen Group China in 2013, FMCS has earned a reputation as the optimum first step in a young driver’s career – alumni have gone on to race in series such as the FIA Formula 3 European Championship and in the European Le Mans Series, as well as in more advanced series within the Volkswagen Group China motorsport family such as the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, the Audi R8 LMS Cup and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia. A comprehensive platform for the next generation of Chinese and Asian motorsport stars, FMCS has, in just three short seasons, become an ideal source for spotting up-and-coming talents.
The aim of the winter series is to provide young drivers with an opportunity to improve their race fitness during motorsport’s traditional off-season, as FMCS continues to pioneer driver development throughout the region. FMCS drivers also gain opportunities for exposure to sports car series which are part of Volkswagen Group China. Several current and past drivers have showcased their talent for executives from Volkswagen Group China’s GT racing programme, and FMCS continually works to create new partnerships and synergies with its sister series.
Entrants into the Winter Race will also have the opportunity to experience the comprehensive FMCS package, inclusive of premium hospitality, centralized parts and logistics, and extensive media coverage, providing them with a chance to familiarize themselves with the exceptionally high standards of the series.
Said Dominic Lyncker, Head of Group Sports Car, Motorsport and Car Culture, Volkswagen Group (China): “The Formula Masters China Series Winter Race is the realization of a goal that we and many of our teams have worked towards for several seasons. FMCS provides an ideal platform for young drivers establishing their motorsport careers, and the FMCS Winter Race provides a great opportunity for fledging talent to prepare for the 2016 season, and for newcomers to experience our competitive and professional international racing environment for the first time.”
Interested drivers are asked to contact FMCS Series Manager Matthijs Hoitink at matthijs@formulamasterschina.com for further details. Drivers must be at least 15 years of age and hold an International D or C competition license.
Formula Masters China Series 2016 Winter Race Provisional Calendar
Date: 21-24 January
Race: 1-3
Circuit: Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
