It is positive start for the German-based team after both its entries set a scorching pace to claim an all Liqui Moly Team Engstler front row for the season opening race of the TCR Asia Series at Sepang International Circuit today.
The team continues its winning formula, campaigning the 2017 season with the tried and tested Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR.
“It looks to be the start of a great season for us and we can only look forward to many more great races with our two drivers, Kantadhee Kusiri and Diego Moran“, said Sport & Marketing Director, Kurt Treml after the Qualifying session.
Kusiri dominated throughout the half hour session setting the fastest laps in Q1 and Q2. He was right on pace from the start of the second session and the Thai driver came away with the fastest time of 2:17.359 which was not bettered by the end of the session.
It was an intense outing with challenges coming from all sides and the immense Malaysian heat made the conditions quite difficult for all drivers, leaving Moran to set the third fastest time of the session but an infringement by the Honda team elevated Moran to take second spot for an all Liqui Moly Team Engstler front row start for the first race of the season.
“Needless to say we are happy with the results of the day but it is just the beginning of the season and we have a lot of work ahead as there are many good teams competing the season. It is up to us to maintain our best to retain both the Team and Driver’s Championship, so the pressure will be on us” continued Treml.
The Liqui Moly Team Engstler is also busy contesting in the final rounds of the TCR Middle East Series this weekend in Bahrain, represented by Luca Engstler, who follows in his father’s footsteps and quickly becoming a force in tin-tops.
The younger Engstler dominated the qualifying session in the early stages, during a fierce battle at the end of the session, Luca suffered from a broken driveshaft, ending with him claiming the third fastest time with the smallest of margins.
Liqui Moly Team Engstler will compete in the full TCR Asia Series 2017 season with two Volkswagen Golf GTi TCR with car #2 driven by Kantadhee Kusiri of Thailand and car #32 driven by Diego Moran of China. The team is supported by Liqui Moly, Remus, VW Motorsport, Hella Pagid, Drexler drivetrain, Motec rims, Recaro and Eibach.
The 12-round 2017 TCR Asia Series season begins this 10-12 March weekend at Sepang International Circuit. The two 35-minute races of the TCR Asia Season will be held on Sunday, 12th March, Race 1 from 10.05am to 10.40am and Race 2 at 5.00pm to 5.35pm.
TCR Asia Series 2017 Calendar
10 – 12 March 2017 Sepang, Malaysia
21 – 23 April 2017 Zuhai / China
21 – 23 June 2017 Buriram, Thailand
06 – 09 July 2017 Bangsaen, Thailand
04 – 06 August 2017 Zheijang, China
26 – 27 August 2017 Shanghai, China
17. – 19. November 2017 Macau (Invitation race)
