The 2017 Audi R8 LMS Cup season was a fast and furious battle of experience versus youth, fought right up until the chequered flag fell on the tenth and final race of the year. Fully loaded with a battery of exciting new innovations and an intriguing international field, fans were treated to a season of intense, exhilarating races as the Cup blazed a trail through Malaysia, Japan, South Korea and China.
After 10 grueling races at five race tracks across four countries, the Audi R8 LMS Cup's Heroes Night was cause for celebration. Honouring its champions as well as all the 2017 Audi R8 LMS Cup drivers, teams and partners, a dazzling awards night rounded out the season finale at China's impressive new Zhejiang International Circuit on 8th October.
Taking four wins and two podium finishes on his way to the championship, 24-year old Belgian Alessio Picariello clinched the overall title in Shanghai in September, and in doing so earned the Team Cup for MGT by Absolute. The Am+ Cup was won by 21-year old Chinese sensation David Chen of the Tianshi Racing Team. Entering the Cup history books in Zhejiang, Chen became the first amateur driver to win a race outright in Round 9, following it up with a third place overall finish in the final race. In the Am Cup, Thailand's Bhurit Bhirombhakdi continued his impressive return to motorsport competition by winning the title for Singha Plan-B Motorsport with five victories.
"We congratulate our champions on their Audi R8 LMS Cup success, and our thanks to all our drivers, teams and partners for giving us such an exciting season," said Martin Kuehl, Director of Audi Sport customer racing Asia. "As the world's premier GT3 brand Cup, we have once again produced a season packed with exceptional motorsport competition run to the very highest standards. We look forward to 2018, and the seventh season of the Audi R8 LMS Cup"
