WIN Motorsport has scored a major coup by becoming the first Hong Kong Le Mans Prototype (LMP) team to carry the iconic Gulf livery, after announcing a new partnership with the prestigious brand, a name synonymous with top-flight international motorsport and, in particular, the fabled Le Mans 24 Hours. The announcement strengthens the credentials of the newly-crowned Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup champions, a team which was only formed a few short months ago by local racing driver William Lok.
The Gulf-liveried WIN Motorsport Ligier JS P3 LMP3 broke cover for the first time today, on the eve of the start of the 2017/18 Asian Le Mans Series, at the Zhuhai International Circuit.
Gulf Oil’s association with top-flight international motorsport began in the 1930s, and was immortalised by Steve McQueen in the 1971 movie ‘Le Mans’ which featured the Gulf Porsche 917. Famous for its success at the world’s toughest endurance race, the Gulf Ford GT40 claimed victory there in both 1968 and ’69. The 1970s saw Gulf’s successful partnership with Bruce McLaren in Indy Car and Formula 1, and in 1975 Gulf became the only sponsor ever to have its name on a Le Mans-winning car – the Ford powered, Gulf GR8. Since then the distinctive Gulf blue and orange has adorned some of the world’s most exciting race cars driven by a host of top names.
WIN Motorsport drivers William Lok, Le Mans-winner Richard Bradley, and former single-seater champion Philippe Descombes will contest the four-round 2017/18 Asian Le Mans Series season, looking to add the LMP3 title to the team’s growing collection of silverware. The ultimate goal for WIN Motorsport, however, is the Le Mans 24 Hours, and there is no better partner to help speed them on their way than multiple winner there, Gulf.
William Lok, WIN Motorsport driver and team owner:
“WIN Motorsport is proud to carry the Gulf colours across the race tracks of Asia. Not only are we Hong Kong’s newest racing team, but the only one dedicated to Le Mans Prototype competition. Since our formation at the start of 2017, we have won the Asian Le Mans Sprint Cup championship and our focus is now on the next prize, the Asian Le Mans Series LMP3 title. We are delighted to have Gulf as our partner, and we look forward to racing all the way to the Le Mans 24 Hours together.”
David Richard, Vice President – Business Development – South East Asia, Gulf Oil South-East Asia:
“It is obviously a momentous time for Gulf with the 50th anniversary of our racing livery and of our first Le Mans 24h win next year. This new partnership with WIN Motorsport, with its ambitious and experienced team, will undoubtedly enhance our motorsport programme for the coming year and it’s truly exciting to bring Gulf’s blue and orange colours to the Asian Le Mans series, which I’m sure will resonate with both our motorsport fans in the region and our businesses.”
