Audi R8 LMS Cup title contender, Aditya Patel made a successful debut in the Audi Sport TT Cup at Germany’s famed Nürburgring circuit at the weekend. Patel joined fellow Audi Sport customer racing Asia driver, Shaun Thong of Hong Kong, who has been contesting a full season in the new series.
Patel was entered as one of five guest entrants and an impressive performance saw him take class wins in both races. Lining up on the fifth row of the grid for the start of the eight-lap opening race, Patel crossed the line in fifth. For the start of the 16-lap Race 2, Patel had his work cut out from his sixth row grid position, but fought through the field to finish sixth.
Thong’s performance sees him lie ninth in the championship classification with two rounds to go of the inaugural Audi Sport TT Cup season remaining. The 19-year-old showed notable consistency by collecting points in nine out of the ten races so far as well as a spectacular double pole and victory at the Norisring earlier this year.
Joining Patel on the podium after Race 1 were former rally pro Niki Schelle and journalist, Guido Naumann of Germany, while Playmate Doreen Seidel and Matthias Malmedie took second and third after race 2. Overall victory in both races went to Poland’s Jan Kisiel, following on from his double victory at the earlier rounds at Oschersleben and making him the hottest candidate for the Championship title.
After a triumphant debut in the Audi Sport TT Cup, Patel heads back to Asia for Rounds 10 & 11 of the Audi R8 LMS Cup which will be held as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship on October 9 and 10. Thong will also join the Cup in Japan, racing for the second time this season.