Winkelhock Joins Audi Sport Asia Driver Pool

Photo: Audi Sport Asia

Ex-Formula 1 driver Markus Winkelhock has joined Audi Sport Asia’s official driver pool as he gets set to tackle another GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS season.

Winkelhock joins Chinese pair Cheng ‘Franky’ Congfu and Yu ‘James’ Kuai on a three-strong roster of drivers, who will participate in GTWC Asia and other series in the region.

Adderly Fong and Akash Nandy, who formed last year’s pool together with Cheng and Yu, are no longer part of the program.

Cheng and Yu will share an Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II together in GTWC Asia this season, entered under the FAW Audi Sport Asia Team Phantom banner, while Winkelhock will partner Bao Jinlong in the sister Audi Sport Asia Team Phantom entry.

It will mark Winkelhock’s second season in GTWC Asia after he partnered Huang Ruohan in an Absolute Racing-run Audi last season.

“Markus Winkelhock is a very exciting addition to our Audi Sport Asia driver squad, his experience and talent will be invaluable for our customers and teams,” said Alexander Blackie, Head of Audi Sport customer racing Asia.

“With Cheng Congfu and Yu Kuai continuing their success stories with the Four Rings, we have a lean squad packed with talent to compete for titles across the region.”

Phantom Global Racing is also entering a pair of Porsche 911 GT3 Rs in this year’s GTWC Asia alongside its two Audi Sport Asia-supported entries.

Anthony Liu, the 2023 champion, shares one of these with Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific selected driver Dorian Boccolacci, while Fong partners Sun Jingzu in the other.

A full entry list for the Sepang season opener is expected later on Monday.