The Patel/Gilbert duo commenced Race 1 in the front row with Patel taking the start. However, the Indian lost position to Marchy Lee going into turn one and had to settle for third before the pitstops. Mitch took over and after serving a five-second success penalty from a previous weekend, the Australian found himself in 4th place. However, he managed to finish third.
For Race 2, Gilbert took the start and having fought hard to hold position, dived early into the pits from 4th position to hand the car over to Patel in wet conditions. Patel quickly passed the cars in front, and began to pull a comfortable lead over the second position. With fifteen minutes remaining, the leading Audi R8 LMS number 86 suffered a blown, rear left tire which ended the race for team OD Racing.
“It’s probably the most unfortunate way to lose out on a sure shot win. But that’s racing I guess. We had good pace all weekend and even qualified on the front row for both races. We’ll definitely come back strong in Fuji! ”, said a rather disappointed Aditya after the race.
The next race will be in Fuji in August.
Unnatee Gidithuri
