Ho-Pin Tung gives China first ever podium finish

In a champion’s style Ho-Pin Tung made everything work in today’s A1GP race in Sydney, Australia. He ensured a 3rd place in the Feature Race with a breathtaking maneuver in the 22nd lap of the race, when he overtook team Holland by taking the outside line of the circuits first corner. It is China’s first ever podium since the start of the A1GP Nations Cup races. In Australia it was only the third time that Ho-Pin Tung defended the honor of China.

In Sunday mornings Sprintrace Ho-Pin Tung had already started collecting points for China, by finishing 6th. After the main race Ho-Pin delivered eight valuable points, ranking China now ahead of host country Australia. Again Team Germany was dominant all weekend.

Although Ho-Pin lost two places in first lap, the teams’ tactics worked out well. Ho-Pin:’ I had a good speed, the car handled well, and I could do with car exactly what I wanted. I was able to push hard and when looking at the lap charts it is clear that we are closing the gap with the top,’ he said delighted and proud.

The weekend in Australia had a difficult start for the Chinese delegation. In the last qualification session all efforts by driver and team resulted in a 6th place overall. ‘During all weekend we changed a lot in the cars set up,’ explains Ho-Pin. In ‘Durban’ (South Africa, where in three weeks time the next race will be featured) we will still have al lot of work to do, but we have a fair basis to continue the progress we showed today.’

Modestly Ho-Pin continues: ‘Normally I would not be extremely happy with a third place, but it is very rewarding that I was able to give China its first ever podium finish, in only my third race in A1GP Cup of Nations.’ After stepping from the rostrum, after the technical and tactical debrief with the team and after all his public relations duties it was party time in Sydney. ‘I believe that I will be expected to show up,’ says the young Dutch Chinese driver with a smile.