Pinoy tops 1st round of Thailand Super Series with Audi R8 LMS GT3

MANILA: After a two-year hiatus, multi-awarded Filipino racecar driver Vincent Floirendo made a successful comeback to the international GT circuit by topping the opening round of the 2022 Thailand Super Series (TSS).

Floirendo raced in the season-opening Bangsaen Grand Prix with an Audi Sport R8 LMS GT3 racecar with a Philippine flag livery. The race was held from June 30 to July 3 at the Bangsaen Beach Road street circuit in Chonburi, Thailand. The two-time Philippine GT champion and 2019 Audi Sport R8 LMS Cup Challenger Trophy winner is competing in the four-round TSS with the famed B-Quik Absolute Racing team.

“I know it will be challenging because Thailand Super Series is one of Asia’s most competitive GT series, but my objective will be to find the rhythm while trying to use my experience to keep improving in every session,” Floirendo stated after signing up with the B-Quik Absolute Racing team last June.

Since the 1990s, Floirendo has raced in karts, touring cars, and single-seaters — bagging championships in various race series.

The Audi Sport R8 LMS is one of the most successful GT3 racecars, winning over 100 drivers' titles worldwide. In order to sustain its success, Audi Sport released the R8 LMS evo II in 2021, which is even more meticulously tailored to the needs of private customer teams.

The latest model's improved aerodynamics are a result of a redesigned rear wing that produces downforce more efficiently. The traction control system, which enables finer tuning, and the suspension, which now contains four adjustable dampers, are also optimized. A new intake system with better torque characteristics is also added to the racecar's engine.

Floirendo will continue to compete in this GT3 car for the next three TSS races, which will be held at FIA Grade 1 Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand on August 25 to 28, October 27 to 30, and December 8 to 11.

Photos from Audi Philippines

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