The Pullman Hotel in Bangkok provided the backdrop to Blancpain GT Series Asia and Chang International Circuit Buriram’s official pre-event press conference earlier today ahead of the championship’s second round of the season on May 20/21.
Following a successful start at Sepang the series moves on to Thailand’s premier motorsport venue for another two hour-long races. Completed in late 2014, the circuit already hosts the likes of World SBK, Super GT and TCR International Series. However, this will be the first time that a pan-Asia GT3 and GT4 category has competed there.
Today’s press conference was a chance for the championship, circuit and home hero Sandy Stuvik – one of six confirmed Thai drivers for Buriram’s round – to discuss the event with local media.
The entry list remains provisional at this stage, but – with two-and-a-half weeks remaining – at least 26 cars are expected in Buriram. And although some of 2017’s race-by-race entries will not be attending, Blancpain GT Series Asia is delighted to welcome a number of new teams and drivers for the second round of its inaugural campaign.
Indeed, two local teams featuring three Thai drivers have taken the opportunity to compete against their Asian counterparts at Buriram. Singha Plan-B Motorsport has entered an Audi R8 LMS GT3 for Bhurit Bhirombhakdi and Kantasak Kusiri, while Singha Motorsport Team Thailand – no relation to the aforementioned – pairs Voravud Bhirombhakdi with former F3 champion and Dutch ace Carlo van Dam in a Ferrari 458 GT3.
Sarun Sereethoranakul will also make his Blancpain GT Series Asia debut as Vincent Wong’s replacement at X-One Motorsports, and Naiyanobh Bhirombhakdi joins Craft-Bamboo Racing’s Porsche line-up.
Chang International Circuit Buriram is also working hard to engage with its local fanbase by giving away Blancpain GT Series Asia tickets during Buriram United’s home football match against Suphanburi FC on May 17, while several GT3 cars will be on display in front of the New I-Mobile Stadium, which is located next door to the race track. The popular ‘Castle 12’ motorcycle event, which takes place outside the venue on May 19, will also feature grandstand ticket giveaways.
As well as watching the on-track action and support championships, fans attending Blancpain GT Series Asia’s Buriram round will have access to a pit walk, hot lap competitions and giant TV screens around the venue relaying the on-track action.
Benjamin Franassovici, Championship Manager: “After a successful start at Sepang we’re really looking forward to making our debut in Thailand, a country with a rich motorsport history and also one that remains passionate about racing. Chang International Circuit Buriram is a world-class venue but one that’s also been incredibly pro-active in promoting Blancpain GT Series Asia’s first visit. This is a great opportunity for fans to see Thai drivers and teams taking on Asia’s very best in a wide variety of race-prepared supercars on May 20/21.”
