China GT

Joel Eriksson signalled his intentions by topping the times in practice ahead of his guest appearance in the China GT Championship in Shanghai, although his weekend ultimately dissolved following technical problems.

DTM regular Eriksson was drafted in to race for BMW customer squad FIST-Team AAI in round three of China’s top GT series, driving a BMW M6 GT3 alongside Betty Chen.

Despite having no previous experience of the championship or the Shanghai International Circuit, Eriksson immediately set the outright pace in practice and then backed it up with third in qualifying as he led the BMW contingent of cars.

However, technical problems later developed that sidelined Eriksson and Chen for both of the weekend’s two races.  

“It was obviously a shame not to actually do the races – that’s what I came here for,” says Joel Eriksson. “I still enjoyed the Shanghai experience and I felt immediately comfortable in the BMW M6 GT3. We were going really well in practice and qualifying so I’m sure we could have had a strong result. Thanks to the team for having me; I’ll be back to give it another go!”

Joel Eriksson will be back on China GT Championship duty for the season-finale – also staged in Shanghai – on 11-13 October. The Swede is now flying back to Europe to compete in next week’s DTM round at the Norisring.

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Joel Eriksson will enter this weekend’s China GT Championship round at the Shanghai International Circuit, making a guest appearance for BMW customer squad FIST-Team AAI.

Eriksson, whose main 2019 programme revolves around the works BMW DTM assault, is set to make his debut in the Chinese series as he slots in alongside female racer Betty Chen aboard one of FIST-Team AAI’s BMW M6 GT3s.

The China GT Championship is one of Asia’s leading racing platforms, pitching a raft of prestigious car manufacturers against each other in pursuit of important glory in the world’s most populous country. 

This weekend’s Shanghai meeting marks round three out of six on the 2019 calendar.

“I’m excited to be here in Shanghai and experience the China GT Championship for the first time,” says Joel Eriksson. “This is exactly the kind of challenge that allows you to evolve as a driver. It’s a brand new track for me and the BMW M6 GT3 is obviously very different to the M4 DTM, but I’m aiming high and hopefully we can have a good result. I will do my best and I look forward to working with Betty and FIST-Team AAI throughout the weekend.” 

Two 60-minute races are scheduled to take place in Shanghai this weekend; one on Saturday and one on Sunday.

TIME TABLE

China GT Championship | Round 3/6
 Shanghai International Circuit (China)

All times local (GMT+08:00)

Friday 28 June
Free Practice: 12.35-13.35
Qualifying: 16.20-17.00

Saturday 29 June
Race 1: 14.15-15.15

Sunday 30 June
Race 2: 14.05-15.05

www.chinagt.net 

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