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 It’s the start of the Asian Touring Car Series 2011 Season Opener. The Series will compete its first two rounds at the Guangdong International Circuit in China from 23rd to 24th April 2011.
Nineteen drivers will be lining up later today on the grid along with Series regulars from Team IMSP, Man Ting Yu, Danny Stacy Chau and 2009 Champion, Cheung Chi Sing.
Joining them are two young touring car greats in the making with Danny Chau Kwok Seng, who made an appearance in the Series last year alongside Japanese newcomer Hideharu Kuroki.
Team AAI/Buddy Club is making a return to the series with two Hondas, the Civic, driven by Taiwanese touring car hero, Chen Jun San who is making his comeback to the Series, and this time with the help of Chen Han Chen in an Accord.
Another interesting driver to watch this season is experienced GT and touring car driver, Kenneth Lau Chi Yung. Lau will be competing the Series in his CL7 Accord driving for team J.A.S Motorsport.
Teams and drivers will compete at the Guangdong International Circuit for the first time. The circuit is located in the capital of Guangdong, a 45-minute drive from Guangzhou and residents of Hong Kong can access the circuit via direct express trains and busses to Zhaoqing.
Designed by Qiming Yao, a female Chinese designer, the Guangdong International Circuit was completed in 2009 and is the second permanent motorsport facility in Guangdong, after Zhuhai International Circuit. A relatively small circuit, only 2.8km, its layout of 13 turns with 5 lefts and 8 rights, and two long straights which includes a 718m dash, the circuit will provide interesting battles all around for the spectators.
The circuit has hosted the China Touring Car Championship and will also host the World Touring Car Championship for the first time this November.
Located in the third most populous metropolis in China, the circuit is sure to be filled with spectators.
Qualifying for the Asian Touring Car Series is held today at 2.20pm (local time) while Round 1 will be held later the same day at 5.15pm. Round 2 is scheduled for Sunday at 1.45pm.
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