“Over the years, GT Asia Series has become the premier and comprehensive supercar race in Asia, making it an easy choice to join” said Hideki Onda, the most recent driver to confirm for the GT Asia Series 2012 Season.

“One make race is one thing, but a mixed GT3 race is more exciting because choosing the car and setting up is part of the strategy. It just makes the event more exciting to car manufacturers, racers, teams and spectators.

“On top of that GT Asia has many races events in Japan scheduled together with Formula Nippon and Super GT which draw very large crowds, not to mention the legendary Macau” said Onda.

The founder of Tunewear, who is also called Francis, will be competing in the Series with Craft Eurasia Racing in the Ferrari F430, with teammates Frank Yu and Samson Chan.

“The 430 GT3 is already a 5 year old car. It will be interesting to see what I can do with it. I was fortunate enough to join Craft so I can get the top level support and learn from experienced race teammates Samson and Frank”.

For Onda, the first year will be for him to just enjoy and secure some Class wins over the course of the season. “The top drivers and cars in GT Asia are no different from top professional racers. To catch up with them will be very challenging. I look forward to learning from them”.

Onda is also looking forward to visiting his hometown and to compete at his home circuit, the breathtaking Fuji International Circuit.

Onda placed third in the Coppa Shell Class of the 2011 Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific and look to the challenge in racing on a more competitive level with a variety of GT cars in the mix. His biggest challenge he says will be the preparations for the races.

“The biggest challenge is of course preparing mentally and physically for the races. Once the sessions start, it is easy because you know what to do, but in racing it never comes out as you plan. Sometimes it is good and sometimes it can be a very difficult weekend. The key is to be consistent which is a feat in itself, under changing physical and surrounding conditions” ended Onda.

The GT Asia Series will visit five race circuits for a total of 11 rounds of racing. The Season will kick off in May at Sepang International Circuit before heading to the Fuji, Suzuka and Autopolis Circuit in Japan for a total of three race weekends and ending the Season at the incredible Guia International Circuit in Macau.

The 2012 GT Asia Series is supported by Graham London, Yokohama ADVAN, AutoArt, Stand21, Endless and Cody Enterprise. The Series is also supported by Official Logistic Agent IMSP.

The GT Asia Series is jointly organised by Motorsport Asia and Supercar Club Hong Kong.

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