Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG continued to reign supreme and concluded Formula Masters China Series’ second event with three successive victories at Shanghai International Circuit. Represented by James Munro, Matthew Swanepoel and Dan Wells, the Hong Kong-based squad now leads the Asian junior formula series’ Team Classification standings with 135 points.
James Munro’s consistent display of skill paved way to commanding results as he claimed two pole positions and three race wins, sealing a flawless maiden outing on China’s F1 circuit. Munro currently sits on top of the Drivers Classification leaderboard with 88 points.
Dan Wells did not fail to impress and capped off the weekend with two podiums, placing him second in the Drivers Classification standings with 51 points. Matthew Swanepoel, who also tackled Shanghai’s 4.602km track for the first time, concluded all three rounds in the top ten.
Friday’s qualifying sessions saw Munro and Wells battle for pole position, with less than two-tenths of a second gap between the two. Munro managed to secure pole for Race 4, after logging the fastest lap with less than two minutes on the clock. During the next 15-minute run, the 17-year-old New Zealander grabbed his second pole position of the weekend, with Wells following closely in second place. Swanepoel struggled during qualifying and wrapped up the sessions in 10th and 6th place.
Race 4 was a lights-to-flag affair for Munro, as he got off to a strong start and steadily defended his position from his British teammate. Wells attempted to grab the lead on the first lap, but was successfully held off by Munro. After a safety car period, Munro was able to set a comfortable gap to the rest of the field and took his third consecutive victory as the chequered flag dropped. Wells grabbed 2nd place and clinched his second podium of the season, while Swanepoel finished the 11-lap race on Shanghai’s highly technical circuit in 10th position.
In Race 5, Munro once again led Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG’s one-two finish, with Dan Wells moving up to 2nd place after overtaking Eurasia’s Matt Solomon in the opening lap. Meanwhile, Swanepoel finished in 6th place, after the South African driver managed to get past opposition and gained two places during the race.
The final round of the weekend witnessed Munro claim his 5th successive victory in the Asian junior formula series. Despite rear grip issues, pole sitter Munro managed to pull a good lead and defended his position from a trailing Matt Solomon. Wells, who started 2nd in Race 6, had to settle for a 4th place finish following a thrilling battle with Meritus GP’s Aston Hare. In the thick of the action, Swanepoel’s efforts to maintain his position paid off and crossed the finished line in 6th place.
James Munro, Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG Driver: “What a weekend this has been! It was my first time in Shanghai but the weekend got off to a great start with a double pole position. To then take victory in the two races on Saturday was a great feeling. The highlight of the weekend though was winning the final race on my Dad’s birthday. I never expected to win the first 5 races of the season. The team has done a great job of giving me a great car. Hopefully we can continue this form at Inje.”
Matthew Swanepoel, Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG Driver: “Unfortunately, the technical problems on the car that hampered me in Zhuhai continued until the second race in Shanghai. The team removed the engine again on Saturday night and worked throughout the night to have the car ready for me on Sunday morning, for which I am very grateful. The results from the weekend certainly don’t reflect what I’m capable of, but hopefully we can move forward for our next race at Inje.”
Dan Wells, Cebu Pacific Air by KCMG Driver: “After the speed we have shown on Thursday, it was a shame that I was edged by a tenth in qualifying which ultimately made a difference in the first two races. Race 3 was slightly more challenging as we struggled with the car. Nonetheless, we have to sit down, analyse the data and come back stronger in Korea. In the mean time, I will be working hard to improve in all areas to ensure I can start winning races.”
John O’Hara, KCMG Deputy Managing Director: “It was a very satisfying weekend for the team. James was faultless this weekend and Dan pushed him close in qualifying and the opening two races. Matthew was unlucky with a car issue but I expect all three to be right at the front in Korea in July.”
