Zhang Zhen Dong makes a clean sweep in TCR Asia at Sepang
Hyundai N by Z.Speed’s Zhang Zhen Dong was untouchable on TCR Asia’s return to Sepang International Circuit. The Chinese driver dominated qualifying and both the 12-lap races to jump into the outright points lead.
However, his teammate Max Hart was able to finish runner up in both races, remaining in close contention with Zhang. The gap between them in the standings is now of 12 points, while the team’s third driver, Hwang Doyun moved up to P3, 54 points behind.
Race 1 – On a track that was drying after a shower, Zhang from the pole and Hart from P2 led the field, while Hwang who had gambled on wet tyres recovered from the back of the grid up to third, but he soon began to drop as the racing lines dried out.
In lap 9, Umar Abdullah went off after a contact with Liu Qiren and the safety car was deployed. In the last part of the race, Hart tried his best to attack his teammate, but Zhang held the Irishman out until the flag, while Benny Santoso completed the podium.
Race 2 – Under drizzling rain, Liu Qiren and Santoso started from the front row but were quickly passed by Hart and Zhang. The latter took the lead into T1 in lap 4 and from there he had a comfortable run through to the chequered flag. Further back Hwang was recovering after dropping back as far as ninth place and eventually managed to move up into third by lap 6, while Santoso finished fourth.
TCR Asia will move to Thailand for the next event on August 23/25 at Buriram.
Sepang – Race 1
- Zhang Zhen Dong (Z.Speed Motorsport, Hyundai Elantra N), 14 laps
- Max Hart (Z.Speed Motorsport, Hyundai Elantra N), 3.064
- Benny Santoso (Hyundai N by Z.Speed, Hyundai Elantra N), 21.529
Sepang – Race 2
- Zhang Zhen Dong (Z.Speed Motorsport, Hyundai Elantra N), 12 laps
- Max Hart (Z.Speed Motorsport, Hyundai Elantra N), 3.549
- Hwang Doyun (Z.Speed Motorsport, Hyundai Elantra N), 11.109
Championship points
- Zhang ZD., 172 pts; 2. M. Hart, 160; 3. Hwang D., 118.
Picture: TCR Asia
