United Autosports Aiming To Sign Off From Maiden Season With Top Result

·       Danny Watts and Richard Meins contest prestigious Macau GT race

·       First race appearance for Audi R8 LMS in former Portuguese colony

It will be just two weeks since United Autosports contested a 1,000km endurance sports car race in Zhuhai and is located a mere stone’s throw from the Chinese city but the second and final leg of the Anglo-American team’s “fly away” end-of-season Asian excursion will seem like a world apart when it participates in the Macau GT race on Sunday November 21.

Having competed in 14 one hour races at seven different venues in either the FIA GT3 European or British GT Championships, the 24 hours of Spa (Belgium) and most recently the 621-mile multi-driver Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (China) since the team made its competition début in April, United Autosports brings the curtain down on a promising and ultra competitive maiden season by débuting at the world famous, season-closing annual Macau Grand Prix meeting.

Danny Watts (Britain) and Hong Kong-based Richard Meins (Britain) race the Audi R8 LMS in the 10-lap GT race around the notoriously narrow and 3.8-mile “street” circuit. Aston Martin, Ferrari, Ginetta, Lamborghini, Porsche GT cars are included on the 36-car GT entry list.

The 57^th Macau Grand Prix runs November 18-21 and includes the FIA Formula 3 Intercontinental Cup, the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – 44^th edition, and the FIA World Touring Car Championship – Guia Race of Macau with the GT race headlining four other support races.

Every year the Macau GP event attracts drivers from around the world. 252 drivers from 35 countries and nations are at this year’s event, a fitting year end to what has been a remarkable maiden season for United Autosports which is now well and truly on the world map.

Macau (also known as 澳門 and Macao) is, along with Hong Kong, one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China. It lies on the western side of the Pearl River Delta bordering Guangdong province to the north and facing the South China Sea to the east and south. Macau was a Portuguese colony and both the first and last European colony in China.

Provisional Timetable:

Friday November 19

1410-1440        Practice

Saturday November 20

0815-0845        Qualifying

Sunday November 21

1005-1055        Race (10-laps)

* Local times

#3 Gulf Marine Lubricants / Mandarin Shipping / TT Club – Audi R8 LMS

Danny Watts (GB). Age: 30. Lives: Thornborough nr Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, England:

Macau History – 2002: 1^st Formula Asia 2000; 2003: 10^th F3 Grand Prix; 2004: 12^th F3 GP; 2005: Retired F3 GP; 2006: 1^st Porsche Carrera Cup Asia; 2007: 5^th Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (finished 1^st on road but given 25secs penalty for yellow flag infringement); 2008: 2^nd Macau GT Cup; 2009: 3^rd Macau GT Cup.

“Macau is a very special place. From a driver’s perspective, it is one of the most challenging tracks in the world as it has a bit of everything – a first gear slow-speed hairpin, chicanes, long straights and fast corners, so getting a car set-up perfect is hard to achieve. There are no run-off areas so any mistake is heavily punished. Macau is unique. Yes it’s a street circuit, like Monaco and Pau for example, in that it’s lined by barriers but for me that’s where any similarity ends. I have been privileged to race at both of these other street circuits and none of them compare to the challenge that Macau brings and it’s one of those tracks you cannot explain unless you have been there to drive and experience firsthand. It’s generally perceived as the last race of the year for everyone so there is a definite party atmosphere. This year’s GT race marks the first at Macau for the Audi R8 LMS, and of course United Autosports, so I’m aiming to have a good reason to celebrate afterwards.

“I adapted quickly to the R8 LMS in my first race at Zhuhai recently. I won a Porsche Carrera Cup race at Macau several years ago, have finished on the GT podium a couple of times but so far victory has eluded me so I am hoping that by changing my car, from a Porsche to an Audi, is going to change my luck although a good qualifying will be the key. Having led our class at Zhuhai until the last hour, I’m eager to score United Autosports’ maiden win.”

#28 Gulf Marine Lubricants / Mandarin Shipping / TT Club – Audi R8 LMS

Richard Meins (GB). Age: 55. Born: Beckenham, England. Lives: Hong Kong:

Macau History – 2000: Retired Guia Race (Ford Focus); 2001: Retired Guia Race (Ford Focus); 2002: 12^th Guia Race (Ford Focus); 2003: 6^th Guia Race (Ford Focus); 2004: Retired Guia Race (Honda Integra); 2005: 2^nd (Class B) Porsche Carrera Cup Asia; 2007: 1^st (Class B) Porsche Carrera Cup Asia; 2008: 8^th Macau GT Cup; 2009: 11^th Macau GT Cup.

“I think the Audi will be perfect for Macau because it is a very fast circuit and as I found out at Zhuhai, the Audi has plenty of great power. It is very bumpy and there is a lot of braking and the R8 LMS gives you a lot of confidence. I don’t think I could ask for a better car to have at Macau because it is a place you don’t want a wayward car. It should be very good race and I’m very optimistic of a top-five finish.”

Zak Brown (USA). Chairman & Co-Owner of United Autosports: Lives: Carmel, Indiana, USA:

"I couldn't think of a more prestigious event to end our first full year of racing. Based on Danny’s outright speed at Zhuhai, I think we have a strong chance to finish the season on the top step of the podium. Richard also drove consistent and clean so must be on for at least a top-six. Unfortunately prior business commitments will keep me away from Macau but I’ll be closely monitoring the team’s progress”.

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:

“Danny and Richard both know the Macau track very well. We need a good, trouble-free qualifying session because it is almost impossible to overtake so a good grid start is vital. If we can accomplish that then there is no reason why we cannot achieve top-five finishes with both cars. We go in to the Macau race after finishing third in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup at Zhuhai, Danny having led much of the race.

“I returned home to the UK for a few days feeling a little despondent when on reflection, I shouldn’t have – it was a fantastic result for our small team in our first ‘fly away’ event. Danny and Richard were both racing for us for the first time in China while at the same time driving the Audi R8 LMS for the very first time – neither had tested the car previously. So they now have an understanding of the Audi. Macau is a spectacular event and would be a fitting venue for us to score our maiden win.”

Audi R8 LMS (Sportscar according to latest 2010 FIA GT3 regulations)

V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, emission control by two racing catalytic converters, rear-wheel-drive, traction control (ASR), sequential pneumatic activated 6-speed sport gearbox with shift-paddles, Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum with bolted steel roll-cage, carbon-fiber composite/aluminum bodywork, Dunlop radial tires. Start weight 1,300kg. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. United Autosports achieved third and fourth places on the team’s 24 hour race début in the 2010 Spa 24 Hours.

* A comprehensive library of Editorial Copyright Free photographs can be downloaded at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports.

United Autosports Earns Intercontinental Le Mans Cup Début Rostrum Finish In Prestigious Chinese Race

· Cruel late race transmission issue robs Anglo-American team of almost certain class victory in team's maiden "fly away" race

Alain Li (left) and Henri Richard claimed a podium finish for United Autosports on the team's ILMC race début

United Autosports wrote a new chapter in its very short but burgeoning history book when the Anglo-American team achieved a top-three rostrum finish in Asia today (Sunday November 7).

Having contested races in Great Britain and mainland Europe throughout its maiden year in competition, the ambitious outfit made a strong Intercontinental Le Mans Cup race début with its brace of Audi R8 LMS sports cars at Zhuhai – a stunning GTC class victory being snatched from the team's grasp in the closing stages.

Alain Li (France) and Henri Richard (France) piloted their #97 Audi in to third place with Richard Meins (England), Danny Watts (England) and Frank Yu (Hong Kong) sharing the #96 Audi that was ultimately unclassified but which looked set for a "LM" GTC category glory.

Watts and Henri Richard had set the second and fourth fastest GTC times in qualifying the previous day – Danny denied scoring the team's maiden class "pole" in the final minute of the 20-minute session in which the damp track continued to dry throughout.

The organizing ACO handed a 30kg weight ballast to the Audi R8 LMS sports cars for the race which started under hazy but increasingly warm sunshine with Watts pressurizing the similar class pole-starting #98 Audi for the lead for much of the opening hour in the 1,000km race. Danny took the lead when the #98 Audi pitted on 60mins while Meins took over the #96 Audi from Watts four minutes later, rejoining still in the class lead after the #98 Audi endured a lengthy pit-stop.

Richard in the #97 Audi moved up to third in class after 24mins and pitted 25mins later for Li but Alain was back in the pits 10mins later, the United Autosports crew replacing a wheel bearing in just 33mins after a superb effort by the crew in the hot and humid conditions.

Meins lost the lead approaching the two hour mark after a spin but was back ahead again 17mins later when the #98 Audi pitted, the class leading #97 United Autosports Audi pitting for Yu on 2hr 15m – the Hong Kong driver remaining ahead following another long stop by the rival #98 Audi.

Li handed back the recovering #98 to Henri Richard with almost three hours on the clock, still fourth in class, while Yu gave the lead Audi to Watts 3hr 22mins into the 232-lap race.

But with a near two-lap advantage and with just 26-laps remaining, Watts coasted to a standstill exiting Turn 12 when his Audi lost drive leaving Henri Richard to salvage a third place in the "sister" #97 R8 LMS at the checker.

The team undertook general maintenance on its cars post race and into Monday aiming to clear customs later that afternoon before its freight container embarked on its journey to Macau. Watts and Meins will compete in the GT race at the prestigious annual "street" event (Nov 19-21) – marking the race début for United Autosports and the Audi R8 LMS sports car at the world famous venue.

#96 Audi R8 LMS

HOURLY OVERALL/GTC CLASS POSITIONS: Driver rotations DW/RM/FY/DW. Start Pos 13th/2nd (Watts); 1hr 12th/1st; 2hrs 16th/2nd; 3hrs 17th/1st; 4hrs POS/POS; 5hrs 17th/2nd; FINISH Not Classified

Richard Meins (GB). Age: 55. Born: Beckenham, England. Lives: Hong Kong:

"We hadn't done much testing in the dry because of the wet weather the previous days so it took me a couple of laps to get into it. I had a spin at the end of the straight but apart from that, I concentrated on avoiding the quicker traffic while at the same trying to put in consistent laps. It's been a fantastic experience driving the Audi – it's a fabulous car."

Danny Watts (GB). Age: 30. Lives: Thornborough nr Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, England:

"I was in full control of the race with almost a full two lap advantage when suddenly the Audi lost drive. I wasn't pushing and was just looking after the car because at my last pit-stop, the clutch was slipping. Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of driving the Audi in the GTC category. It's totally different to what I have been used to all year and I felt I adapted quickly. It's a predictable car to drive. In qualifying, our engineer Alan Mugglestone made a great call and sent me out on cut slick tires on the damp but drying track in qualifying. But the track dried out totally for the final 10mins and I was bumped off class pole right at the end which was disappointing."

Frank Yu (HK). Age: 47. Lives: Hong Kong:

"I thoroughly enjoyed my stint and first race in the Audi apart from the final result of course. I paced myself with the #98 Audi and just maintained the gap. The Audi is really an excellent car. It's so easy to drive and 'friendly'. The best thing about the R8 LMS is that it takes very little time to get accustomed to its characteristics. Within five laps of practice, in wet or dry conditions, I was up to pace."

#97 Comtech Group / Roger Dubuis / WT Microelectronics – Audi R8 LMS

HOURLY OVERALL/GTC CLASS POSITIONS: Driver rotations HR/AL/HR. Start Pos 22nd/4th (Richard); 1hr 20th/3rd; 2hrs 21st/4th; 3hrs 21st/4th; 4hrs POS/POS; 5hrs 19th/4th; FINISH 17th/3rd

Alain Li (F). Age: 50. Born: Caen, France. Lives: Hong Kong:

"Early in my stint I knew there was something wrong. The team did a great job in repairing it and I quickly got in to a good rhythm. It took a little bit of time to get used to the pace of the LMP cars passing you but then I settled down. In my second stint I just tried to stay consistent. It was another level of experience for me after Spa. Henri did a sterling job and to finish third on the podium is a dream come true for me."

Henri Richard (F). Age: 52. Born: Paris, France. Lives: Los Altos Hills, CA (USA):

"It was a shame that we had the bearing issue but that's racing. The team nor the drivers gave up, we had great pace and pushed to the end. I was very impressed with United Autosports, especially considering it's the team's first year and they've gelled incredibly quickly in to a great outfit. Qualifying was challenging as I'd never driven the car on slick, dry weather tires due to rain throughout the Friday and Saturday morning practice sessions. The Audi R8 LMS is so easy and predictable to drive making it a great car for endurance racing."

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:

"I love Le Mans Series style endurance races so it was great for United Autosports to be involved for the first time. It's been tough for our first 'fly away' race but we coped well. On track activities began on Thursday and we immediately encountered a gearbox problem which is puzzling as the same car finished our last race at Zolder without a problem. We effectively needed to get four out of our five drivers some experience of the Audi but two days of rain set us back. The repairs to the #97 cost 33mins but then the car ran faultlessly to the end with both Henri and Alain setting exceptionally good times. Our #96 car which was driven beautifully by Danny, Frank and Richard, led for so long then lost all drive. We believe its clutch failure but we're not sure until we carry out a full investigation."

<p><em><strong>·          Cruel late race transmission issue robs Anglo-American team of almost certain class victory in team's maiden &quot;fly away&quot; race</strong></em></p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://unitedautosports.com/news/images/SBGT9.jpg" /><br />
<em>Alain Li (left) and Henri Richard claimed a podium finish for United Autosports on the team's ILMC race début</em> </p>
<p>United Autosports wrote a new chapter in its very short but burgeoning history book when the Anglo-American team achieved a top-three rostrum finish in Asia today (Sunday November 7).<br />
  <br />
  Having contested races in Great Britain and mainland Europe throughout its maiden year in competition, the ambitious outfit made a strong Intercontinental Le Mans Cup race début with its brace of Audi R8 LMS sports cars at Zhuhai – a stunning GTC class victory being snatched from the team's grasp in the closing stages.<br />
  <br />
  Alain Li (France) and Henri Richard (France) piloted their #97 Audi in to third place with Richard Meins (England), Danny Watts (England) and Frank Yu (Hong Kong) sharing the #96 Audi that was ultimately unclassified but which looked set for a &quot;LM&quot; GTC category glory.<br />
  <br />
  Watts and Henri Richard had set the second and fourth fastest GTC times in qualifying the previous day – Danny denied scoring the team's maiden class &quot;pole&quot; in the final minute of the 20-minute session in which the damp track continued to dry throughout.<br />
  <br />
  The organizing ACO handed a 30kg weight ballast to the Audi R8 LMS sports cars for the race which started under hazy but increasingly warm sunshine with Watts pressurizing the similar class pole-starting #98 Audi for the lead for much of the opening hour in the 1,000km race. Danny took the lead when the #98 Audi pitted on 60mins while Meins took over the #96 Audi from Watts four minutes later, rejoining still in the class lead after the #98 Audi endured a lengthy pit-stop.<br />
  <br />
  Richard in the #97 Audi moved up to third in class after 24mins and pitted 25mins later for Li but Alain was back in the pits 10mins later, the United Autosports crew replacing a wheel bearing in just 33mins after a superb effort by the crew in the hot and humid conditions.<br />
  <br />
  Meins lost the lead approaching the two hour mark after a spin but was back ahead again 17mins later when the #98 Audi pitted, the class leading #97 United Autosports Audi pitting for Yu on 2hr 15m – the Hong Kong driver remaining ahead following another long stop by the rival #98 Audi.<br />
  <br />
  Li handed back the recovering #98 to Henri Richard with almost three hours on the clock, still fourth in class, while Yu gave the lead Audi to Watts 3hr 22mins into the 232-lap race. <br />
  <br />
  But with a near two-lap advantage and with just 26-laps remaining, Watts coasted to a standstill exiting Turn 12 when his Audi lost drive leaving Henri Richard to salvage a third place in the &quot;sister&quot; #97 R8 LMS at the checker. <br />
  <br />
  The team undertook general maintenance on its cars post race and into Monday aiming to clear customs later that afternoon before its freight container embarked on its journey to Macau. Watts and Meins will compete in the GT race at the prestigious annual &quot;street&quot; event (Nov 19-21) – marking the race début for United Autosports and the Audi R8 LMS sports car at the world famous venue.<br />
<br /></p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://unitedautosports.com/news/images/SBGT10.jpg" /><br />
<em>Rob (left) and Matt Bell shared a United Autosports Ginetta G50 in a two-hour Avon Tyres British GT Championship race</em></p>
<p><strong>#96 Audi R8 LMS</strong><br />
  HOURLY OVERALL/GTC CLASS POSITIONS: Driver rotations DW/RM/FY/DW. Start Pos 13th/2nd (Watts); 1hr 12th/1st; 2hrs 16th/2nd; 3hrs 17th/1st; 4hrs POS/POS; 5hrs 17th/2nd; FINISH Not Classified <br />
  <br />
  Richard Meins (GB). Age: 55. Born: Beckenham, England. Lives: Hong Kong:<br />
  &quot;We hadn't done much testing in the dry because of the wet weather the previous days so it took me a couple of laps to get into it. I had a spin at the end of the straight but apart from that, I concentrated on avoiding the quicker traffic while at the same trying to put in consistent laps. It's been a fantastic experience driving the Audi – it's a fabulous car.&quot;<br />
  <br />
  Danny Watts (GB). Age: 30. Lives: Thornborough nr Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, England:<br />
  &quot;I was in full control of the race with almost a full two lap advantage when suddenly the Audi lost drive. I wasn't pushing and was just looking after the car because at my last pit-stop, the clutch was slipping. Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of driving the Audi in the GTC category. It's totally different to what I have been used to all year and I felt I adapted quickly. It's a predictable car to drive. In qualifying, our engineer Alan Mugglestone made a great call and sent me out on cut slick tires on the damp but drying track in qualifying. But the track dried out totally for the final 10mins and I was bumped off class pole right at the end which was disappointing.&quot;<br />
  <br />
  Frank Yu (HK). Age: 47. Lives: Hong Kong:<br />
  &quot;I thoroughly enjoyed my stint and first race in the Audi apart from the final result of course. I paced myself with the #98 Audi and just maintained the gap. The Audi is really an excellent car. It's so easy to drive and 'friendly'. The best thing about the R8 LMS is that it takes very little time to get accustomed to its characteristics. Within five laps of practice, in wet or dry conditions, I was up to pace.&quot;<br />
</p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://unitedautosports.com/news/images/SBGT11.jpg"/></p>
<p align="left"><strong> #97 Comtech Group / Roger Dubuis / WT Microelectronics – Audi R8 LMS</strong><br />
HOURLY OVERALL/GTC CLASS POSITIONS: Driver rotations HR/AL/HR. Start Pos 22nd/4th (Richard); 1hr 20th/3rd; 2hrs 21st/4th; 3hrs 21st/4th; 4hrs POS/POS; 5hrs 19th/4th; FINISH 17th/3rd  <br />
</p>
<p align="left">Alain Li (F). Age: 50. Born: Caen, France. Lives: Hong Kong: <br />
  &quot;Early in my stint I knew there was something wrong. The team did a great job in repairing it and I quickly got in to a good rhythm. It took a little bit of time to get used to the pace of the LMP cars passing you but then I settled down. In my second stint I just tried to stay consistent. It was another level of experience for me after Spa. Henri did a sterling job and to finish third on the podium is a dream come true for me.&quot;<br />
  <br />
  Henri Richard (F). Age: 52. Born: Paris, France. Lives: Los Altos Hills, CA (USA):<br />
  &quot;It was a shame that we had the bearing issue but that's racing. The team nor the drivers gave up, we had great pace and pushed to the end. I was very impressed with United Autosports, especially considering it's the team's first year and they've gelled incredibly quickly in to a great outfit. Qualifying was challenging as I'd never driven the car on slick, dry weather tires due to rain throughout the Friday and Saturday morning practice sessions. The Audi R8 LMS is so easy and predictable to drive making it a great car for endurance racing.&quot;<br />
  <br />
  Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director &amp; Co-Owner of United Autosports:<br />
  &quot;I love Le Mans Series style endurance races so it was great for United Autosports to be involved for the first time. It's been tough for our first 'fly away' race but we coped well. On track activities began on Thursday and we immediately encountered a gearbox problem which is puzzling as the same car finished our last race at Zolder without a problem. We effectively needed to get four out of our five drivers some experience of the Audi but two days of rain set us back. The repairs to the #97 cost 33mins but then the car ran faultlessly to the end with both Henri and Alain setting exceptionally good times. Our #96 car which was driven beautifully by Danny, Frank and Richard, led for so long then lost all drive. We believe its clutch failure but we're not sure until we carry out a full investigation.&quot;<br />
  <br />
</p>

Audi R8 LMS Sports Car Enters New Era With United Autosports In China

·       First race for Audi R8 LMS GT3 sports car in China

 

The Audi R8 LMS sports car makes its Intercontinental Le Mans Cup race début when Anglo-American team United Autosports run a pair of its distinctively liveried GT3 sports cars in the third and final round of the inaugural series at Zhuhai (China) on Sunday November 7.

Richard Meins (England), Danny Watts (England) and Frank Yu (Hong Kong) share the #96 Audi with Alain Li (France) and Henri Richard (France) piloting the #97 R8 LMS. Li was part of the British-based team’s successful Spa 24 Hour line-up and is the only one with previous experience of racing the German-built sports car and driving for Audi’s “official” customer team which is based in England.

The team’s brace of R8 LMS sports cars will run in the “LM” GTC category and will be prepared in FIA GT3 specification. The 1,000km event marks the first-ever race for the Audi R8 LMS in China – a highly important and successful market for AUDI AG.

The one millionth Audi in China was recently handed over to a customer from Changchun (October 20). Audi was the first premium brand in China 22 years ago and have been the unrivaled market leader in this segment ever since. Of the cars delivered to customers, 950,000 were produced in Changchun and the other 50,000 imported. To date, no other carmaker in the premium segment has managed to sell over a million cars in the Chinese market. In the first nine months of 2010, Audi delivered some 175,000 units in China and Hong Kong, also a new record.

Provisional Timetable:

Thursday November 4

0900-1200        Test 1

1400-1700        Test 2

Friday November 5

1030-1130        Practice 1

1530-1630        Practice 2

Saturday November 6

1000-1100        Practice 3

1430-1450        Qualifying (GT/GTC)

Sunday November 7

0900-0920        Warm-up

1200-1800        Race

* Local times

#96 – Audi R8 LMS

Richard Meins (GB). Age: 55. Born: Beckenham, England. Lives: Hong Kong:

“I’ve known Danny [Watts] well having been team-mates at Macau for the past few years. I am very excited at the prospect of racing the United Autosports Audi R8 LMS for the first time and joining the prestigious Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. I recently finished third overall in the Spa 6 hours driving a Ford GT40 and have competed in the Nürburgring 24 Hours on several occasions but this will be my ILMC series début.”

Danny Watts (GB). Age: 30. Lives: Thornborough nr Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, England:

“The Zhuhai track is good to drive. It’s narrow and bumpy in places but with a good mixture of corners. This means the car’s set-up is a compromise but with several hairpin type corners, braking stability and traction will be important. I’m very excited about racing the Audi R8 LMS. It’s a stunningly beautiful car and having attended most of the FIA races as the team’s driver coach and understanding the car's behavior, handling characteristics and looking through huge amounts of data, I’m very excited to get the opportunity to now drive it myself. I’m very thankful to Zak [Brown] and Richard [Dean] for this opportunity and for Strakka Racing who I race for in the Le Mans Series in allowing me to race.”

Frank Yu (HK). Age: 47. Lives: Hong Kong:

“It’s been sometime since Zhuhai hosted a major international event. China is a huge market for anything and everything at the moment. Motorsport is a fast growing sport in the entire Asian region. The race will be tough as we’ll need to be very aware of the LM P1 prototypes at all times because of the massive speed differential.”

#97 Comtech Group / Roger Dubuis / WT Microelectronics – Audi R8 LMS

Alain Li (F). Age: 50. Born: Caen, France. Lives: Hong Kong:

“Zhuhai is a challenging track which is heavy on braking and features a high number of second gear corners. The surface is also quite abrasive and bumpy. I have raced there and in Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu on numerous occasions when I competed in the Porsche Cup between 2005-08. Contesting the Spa 24 Hour race with United Autosports this summer will, I’m sure, prove to be excellent preparation. It’s likely to be a more physical race than Spa and more mentally demanding due to the shorter ‘recovery’ time in between driving stints, the type of track coupled with faster LMP cars which will require maximum concentration throughout the 1,000km race. I’m very excited about the race with the small but high quality field comprising of the very top Le Mans teams and drivers.”

Henri Richard (F). Age: 52. Born: Paris, France. Lives: Los Altos Hills, CA (USA):

“I’ve never previously raced at Zhuhai, or anywhere in China for that matter, so I’m really looking forward to the whole experience although I did attend an FIA GT race at Zhuhai a couple of years ago when I was a passive observer of my friend Andrea Piccini who was racing his Ferrari. I’m heading to China off the back of a class win in the 1,000 mile Petit Le Mans race so I am not worried about the Zhuhai race in terms of physical fitness. The weather conditions are likely to be hot and humid but I’ve experienced these conditions racing in the American Le Mans Series all this year. I am excited about the state of motorsports in Asia and hope this is the first of many racing events for me in the region.”

Zak Brown (USA). Driver, Chairman, Co-Owner United Autosports:

"China is a very important automobile market nowadays. Indeed AUDI AG recently set a new sales record there and is its largest foreign market. As a team owner, I’m very proud that we’re now adding an appearance in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup to those in the FIA GT3 European and British Championships plus the 24 Hours of Spa – all in our maiden season. The Zhuhai race will also mark the first time an Audi R8 LMS has raced in the ILMC, or Le Mans Series for that matter, while United Autosports is the only two-car Audi R8 LMS team competing in the Chinese race which is also very satisfying.”

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:

“There is no doubt that Zhuhai will be a major test for United Autosports – arguably the biggest challenge in our very short existence. The third and final round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup marks our first race in an ACO sanctioned event and is certainly a real ‘fly away’ event for us! I expect us to put on a professional show and be very competitive in the GTC category in China.”

 

Audi R8 LMS (Sportscar according to latest 2010 FIA GT3 regulations)

V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, emission control by two racing catalytic converters, rear-wheel-drive, traction control (ASR), sequential pneumatic activated 6-speed sport gearbox with shift-paddles, Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum with bolted steel roll-cage, carbon-fiber composite/aluminum bodywork, Michelin radial tires. Start weight 1,335kg. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. Won FIA GT3 European Championship, ADAC-GT Masters and Belgian GT Championship plus Nürburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours class victories in début 2009 season scoring a total 23 victories. United Autosports achieved third and fourth places on the team’s 24 hour race début in the 2010 Spa 24 Hours.

* A comprehensive library of Editorial Copyright Free photographs can be downloaded at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports.

United Autosports Finalizes Driver Line-Up For Second Audi Entry At Zhuhai

·       Danny Watts, Richard Meins and Frank Yu to make début for American team in Chinese 1,000km race

·       Two-car entry for Watts & Meins confirmed for prestigious Macau GT Cup race 

·       First race appearance for Audi R8 LMS in China and Macau 

 United Autosports achieved third (pictured) and fourth places in GT3 on the team’s maiden 24 Hour race at Spa (Jul 31-Aug 1)

Danny Watts (England), Richard Meins (England) and Frank Yu (Hong Kong) will race a second United Autosports Audi R8 LMS GT3 sports car alongside already confirmed Alain Li (France) and Henri Richard (France) in the third and final round of the inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup at Zhuhai in China on Sunday November 7.

The trio will be making their début for the American-owned team while none of them have previously raced an Audi R8 LMS. Watts, who has been United Autosports’ on-event driver coach this season, does have experience of Zhuhai having represented Great Britain in A1GP practice in 2007. Meins tested a Ferrari at the Chinese venue last year while Yu has scored numerous podium placings at Zhuhai in the many GT3 races he has contested there.

Having completed its maiden FIA GT3 European Championship campaign in Belgium earlier this month (Oct 10), the team’s brace of Audi sports cars were air freighted out of London last Thursday (Oct 14) having been stripped and rebuilt to the same specification as raced in the Spa 24 Hours (Jul 31-Aug 1) in which the Audi “official” customer team scored third and fourth placings in the GT3 class.

Watts finished first in the LM P2 class (5^th overall) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as claiming pole-position and the fastest lap, plus runner-up in the Le Mans Series LM P2 after six class poles, three class and an one outright race win with Strakka Racing. Danny’s last race in a GT sports car was in last year’s Macau race when he finished third (Porsche 997 GT3).

Hong Kong-based Englishman Meins regularly races a variety of historic single-seaters and sports cars racing throughout Europe including a Ford GT40, Lola T70, March 762 and McLaren M23.  Richard also contested the 2001 British Touring Car Championship.

Yu has raced Ferrari and Aston Martin GT3 machinery extensively throughout Asia and has experience in long distance events from the Dubai 24 Hours, with Richard Dean and Merdeka 12 Hours at Sepang.

Two weeks after the inaugural Zhuhai ILMC event, the team’s brace of R8 LMS sports cars will revert to the same specification as raced this season in the FIA GT3 European Championship for the GT Cup race around the temporary, ultra-demanding 3.81-mile “street” Macau circuit on Sunday November 21.

Watts, who competed in the 1999 Formula Palmer Audi single-seater series, first raced at Macau in 2002, when he won the Formula Asia single-seater race. After competing in the F3 Grand Prix for three years, he switched to sportscars and won the Carrera Cup Asia round in 2006, repeating the win in 2007 before a penalty dropped him to fifth. He has competed in the GT race on both occasions (2008 & ’09) since its inception and both times finished on the podium.

Meins will be racing in Macau for the 10^th time having made his début there in 2000. Richard contested the Guia Touring Car race (2000-4), the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (2005-7) and the GT race since 2008. His best result was sixth place in the Guia race in 2003 (Ford Focus) and won the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Class B Division in 2007. Last year, Meins qualified sixth and went on to finish 11^th (Porsche 911 GT3 Cup).

The Macau GT race is now in its third year and has been a catalyst for the growth of GT racing in Asia. Watts and Meins will face drivers from the Asia GT3 series while this year’s entry includes Aston Martin, Ferrari, Ginetta, Lamborghini and Porsche sports cars.

For United Autosports Co-Owner Richard Dean it will be a case of re-visiting a venue he first attended 16 years ago when the Briton, contesting the Formula Three Grand Prix, broke a bone in his right hand following an accident.

Richard Meins (GB). Age: 55.  
Born: Beckenham, England. Lives: Hong Kong:

“I tested a Ferrari at Zhuhai a couple of years back in preparation for Macau. It's tight with some short straights and heavy braking so it should get pretty busy with the LM P1 cars out there too. It's shaping up to be a great event and it is attracting a lot of interest in Hong Kong so I expect a good crowd of people will be making the short trip over to attend.

“The GT Cup event marks my 10^th Macau race on the island. Macau is without doubt my favorite race circuit but at the same time it’s also the one I have the most respect for. There is no room for error and to put together a good lap is one of the most satisfying experiences you can get from racing. Macau has everything from very fast straights, ‘blind’ 130mph plus corners and a very demanding narrow twisty back section where you never know what will be round the next corner!

“I race a lot of Historic GT cars and own two Ford GT40s – one of which is a prototype and one of the first 5 cars built. I raced a Porsche at last year's Macau event and was happy with a sixth in qualifying and am eagerly looking forward to racing the Audi R8 LMS at Zhuhai then at Macau for United Autosports.”

Danny Watts (GB). Age: 30. 

Lives: Thornborough nr Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, England:

“I’ve been United Autosports’ driver coach this year for its maiden FIA GT3 European Championship campaign and have been thoroughly impressed with its professionalism so I’m delighted to actually be racing for them at Zhuhai and Macau. I’ve practiced an A1 GP single-seater at Zhuhai while this year marks my ninth Macau visit and is a race I look forward to the most every year along with Le Mans.

“My first Macau visit in 2002 was also my first ‘long haul’ flight – I had never heard of the Macau Grand Prix and didn’t know what to expect. I’d beaten Jamie Green and Lewis Hamilton to the Formula Renault UK Championship title so arrived with some confidence. Tim Huxley, who had organized the trip, and my engineer Barry Forth, warned me this would be the most difficult circuit I would ever race on and how right they were!

“I was competing in the Formula Asia 2000 race and had a 30mins practice session, a 30mins qualifying session before the 10 lap race. Despite being instructed by Barry to go gently and most importantly, learn the track in first practice, I crashed causing a lot of damage. With my ears still ringing after a major telling off, I dug deep the next day and took pole and went on to win the race.” 

Frank Yu (HK). Age: 47. 

Lives: Hong Kong:

“Having raced Ferrari and Aston Martin GT3 cars, I can’t wait to drive the Audi R8 LMS all over different circuits in Asia. I’ve raced at Zhuhai on countless occasions in GT3 cars with many podiums. I shared a car with Richard in the Dubai 24 Hours earlier this year so know that United Autosports will be a very professional and competitive team. To race in the prestigious inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup race at Zhuhai will be a tremendous privilege.” 

Zak Brown (USA). Driver, Chairman, Co-Owner United Autosports:

“I still keep having to pinch myself in what we [United Autosports] have achieved in our first year. Having raced on some legendary tracks like Paul Ricard, Silverstone and Zolder in the FIA series plus Spa, to now be looking ahead to us racing in China and Macau is just awesome. We’ve already had Emil Assentato, Matt Bell, Mark Blundell, Eddie Cheever, Mike Guasch, Stefan Johansson, Alain Li, Mark Patterson, Richard [Dean] and myself flying the flag for United on-track and so to now be welcoming Danny, Frank, Henri and Richard, to the fold shows that we are a professional and competitive outfit that drivers want to be associated with.”  

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:

“It’s a great line-up for both races and I’m very excited about the prospect of us racing in China and at Macau. Danny is just plain fast, he’s world class and knows the Le Mans Series well and has raced in A1GP at Zhuhai. Richard and Frank both have track knowledge so we will have one of the few complete driver line-ups who know the track. Frank and I were team-mates in Malaysia for a 12 hour race in 2009. He manages to take his racing seriously while being a hugely popular character in the pits. Frank had a great top-six finish in the Merdeka 12 hours this year, is a massive motorsport enthusiast and will make an important contribution to the team’s success in China. Richard is very experienced at Macau. Asia is an important market for Audi and our sponsors while Macau itself needs little introduction with the GT Cup race steadily growing in importance.”

Audi R8 LMS (Sportscar according to latest 2010 FIA GT3 regulations)

V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, emission control by two racing catalytic converters, rear-wheel-drive, traction control (ASR), sequential pneumatic activated 6-speed sport gearbox with shift-paddles, Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum with bolted steel roll-cage, carbon-fiber composite/aluminum bodywork, Michelin radial tires. Start weight 1,335kg. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. Won FIA GT3 European Championship, ADAC-GT Masters and Belgian GT Championship plus Nürburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours class victories in début 2009 season scoring a total 23 victories. United Autosports achieved third and fourth places on the team’s 24 hour race début in the 2010 Spa 24 Hours.

* A comprehensive library of Editorial Copyright Free photographs can be downloaded at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports.

United Autosports To Make Intercontinental Le Mans Cup Début

·       American owned team to race in GTC category in inaugural ILMC Zhuhai race

·       First race for Audi R8 LMS GT3 sports car in China

·       American Le Mans Series regular Henri Richard to make United Autosports début alongside fellow Frenchman Alain Li

The American owned United Autosports GT3 sports car team will compete in the third and final round of the inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup at Zhuhai in China on Sunday November 7.

The team's brace of R8 LMS sports cars will be prepared in the specification as raced in the Spa 24 Hours (Jul 31-Aug 1) for the six hour race which will mark the first-ever race for the Audi R8 LMS in China – a highly important and successful market for AUDI AG.

French duo Alain Li, who raced with United Autosports at Spa, and Henri Richard, will drive one R8 LMS with the drivers for the second Audi expected to be announced later this month. United Autosports achieved third and fourth positions in the GT3 category at Spa – the team's maiden 24 hour race – with Hong Kong-based Li sharing the fourth placed car. Richard, who lives in California, has contested the 2010 American Le Mans Series and will be making his début with the team co-owned by Zak Brown and Richard Dean.

The Leeds (GB)-based team will arrive at Zhuhai four weeks after the final races in the FIA GT3 European Championship – a 12-race series the British-based team has fully contested during its first year of competition with the Audi R8 LMS – a sports car developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH for its maiden season of "customer sport" racing in 2009. Sponsorship for the Chinese race will come courtesy of Li's long-time supporter Roger Dubuis Watches while Richard is supported by WT Microelectronics and the Comtech Group.

AUDI AG recently set yet another new sales record in China, its largest foreign market. With 22,358 units, the Company sold 67.5 percent more cars there than in August 2009. The brand's success is also reflected in terms of customer satisfaction, with the latest J.D. Power study showing that Audi delighted Chinese customers with its range of services more than any other premium carmaker in the last 12 months. And Chinese buyers also voted the brand's sales team as the best of its kind in the industry.

Alain Li (F). Age: 50. Born: Caen, France. Lives: Hong Kong:
"I am thrilled to be teaming up with United Autosports at Zhuhai after the incredible result the team achieved in Spa. That result was a testament to the professionalism and dedication of everyone in the team. I raced in Zhuhai when I competed in the Porsche Cup Asia between 2004-08 with top-6 finishes on each occasion. The Intercontinental Le Mans Cup event will be the biggest race to be staged in Asia this year apart from the F1 Grand Prix. It will be an enormous thrill to be taking part in such a prestigious race. As a boy growing up in Hong Kong I could never have imagined that one day I would be competing in such an event just an hour across the border in China. Being half Chinese, I hope to be able to put in a good showing for the local drivers. I loved driving the Audi R8 LMS and I cannot wait to get behind the wheel again. I think the Audi will be well suited to Zhuhai given its fantastic balance and braking."

Henri Richard (F). Age: 52. Born: Paris, France. Lives: Los Altos Hills, CA (USA):
"I am pleased to finally be driving with United Autosports. I had to postpone my FIA GT3 European Championship plans due to business priorities so it is with great anticipation that I look forward to Zhuhai given the team's strong results, especially at Spa, in its inaugural season of competition. Having done a full season in the American Le Mans Series, the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup is a natural extension for me and certainly a series I would consider running in its entirety in the future. I have never driven at Zhuhai but will be practicing extensively on a simulator. I'm anticipating the biggest challenge will be learning the Audi R8 LMS and its tires in comparison to the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car I race in the ALMS."

Zak Brown (USA). Driver, Chairman, Co-Owner United Autosports:
"I'm very excited about our new team racing in Asia in United Autosports' first year of competition. Having contested the full FIA GT3 European Championship, the Spa 24 Hours and a couple of British GT Championship events, to now get an entry in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup finalé is just amazing and underlines our desire and our commitment to GT sports car racing. China is an increasingly important market for not only Audi but our sponsors as well. In an ideal world our participation will open up us being allowed to compete in the 12 Hours of Sebring and at Petit Le Mans – stellar sports car races in the USA where United Autosports has a huge interest and obvious desire to compete."

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:
"The inaugural Zhuhai race is a great opportunity for United Autosports to showcase both us, as a team, and of course the Audi R8 LMS in the ultra-important Asian market. Despite what has been said recently, we really hope the ACO adopt the GTC category for GT3 cars at ILMS events in 2011. Alain [Li] proved himself to us at Spa, doing a great job and we feel he is part of our team now. Zhuhai will be perfect for him, he knows the circuit and he knows the car. The six hour format of the ILMC will suit his consistent, reliable and calm approach. Henri [Richard], who had to shelve plans to join us this season, has been racing regularly in the GTC class in ALMS with great success, and so it will be really good to finally get him in one of our cars for this event. The support and enthusiasm we're receiving from Audi Sport's Customer Centre for this event has been tremendous and we'll continue to work close with our colleagues in Germany so that we put on a great show in China."

Audi R8 LMS (Sportscar according to latest 2010 FIA GT3 regulations)
V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, emission control by two racing catalytic converters, rear-wheel-drive, traction control (ASR), sequential pneumatic activated 6-speed sport gearbox with shift-paddles, Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum with bolted steel roll-cage, carbon-fiber composite/aluminum bodywork, Michelin radial tires. Start weight 1,335kg. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. Won FIA GT3 European Championship, ADAC-GT Masters and Belgian GT Championship plus Nürburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours class victories in début 2009 season scoring a total 23 victories. United Autosports achieved third and fourth places on the team's 24 hour race début in the 2010 Spa 24 Hours.

* A comprehensive library of Editorial Copyright Free photographs can be downloaded at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports.

United Autosports Aiming To Reproduce Spa “Marathon” Form On the Algarve

· American-owned team confident of maintaining Spa 24 Hour race pace
· Portuguese track witnessed Audi "double" in last year's races

After an 11 week break, the FIA GT3 European Championship reconvenes in the Algarve (Portugal) next weekend (September 17-19) with United Autosports aiming to reproduce its scintillating Spa 24 Hour race form in the two, one-hour "sprint" races.

The British-based team staged the maiden test for its brand new Audi R8 LMS sports cars at the Autodrómo Internacional do Algarve circuit near Portimão in March – a 2.92-mile venue where the R8 LMS scored its first FIA GT3 European Championship race victory at last year's corresponding event.

In what has been a difficult baptism at times this season for the brand new team, United Autosports heads to Portugal full of confidence after posting third and fourth positions in the GT3 category of the 24 Hours of Spa (July 31-Aug 1), determined to translate its "marathon" form in to scoring its maiden championship points. United Autosports will test with all four of its drivers at Estoril (POR) next Monday and Tuesday (Sep 13-14).

Provisional Timetable*:
Friday September 17
1200-1300 Free Practice 1
1700-1800 Free Practice 2

Saturday September 18
0945-10:35 Qualifying
1400-1500 Race 1

Sunday September 19
1115-1215 Race 2
* Local times

#22 Molecule / Cerutti – Audi R8 LMS
Michael Guasch (USA). Lives: Walnut Creek, California, USA:
"Out of all of our FIA races we've run so far this year, I am looking forward to this track the most. Firstly because Zak [Brown] and I tested the R8 LMS at Portimão back in March and secondly, we now have been given a more competitive car for the first time this year courtesy of the latest FIA Balance of Power changes. I have a very good version of the track on my simulator which will allow me great preparation. Since the Ricard FIA race I have tested my formula car and competed in one race with IRL at Sonoma, CA. But I'm really looking forward to our Estoril test next week to shake out the cobwebs from our long summer break."

Mark Patterson (USA). Lives: Bronxville, New York State, USA:
"I'm eagerly anticipating racing competitively for the first time this year in the FIA series following the power adjustment made in time for the 24 Hours of Spa. It's been a trifle frustrating driving the Audi R8 LMS way down the field which has been totally unrepresentative of the car's performance. We've had both cars knocking on the door of scoring points and I'm confident we'll be in the top-10 in Portugal despite not personally having seen this track previously. After achieving fourth place in the 24 Hours of Spa for United Autosports, I've raced a Doran-Ford in Grand Am races at Watkins Glen and Montreal."

#23 Remington – Audi R8 LMS
Zak Brown (USA). Lives: Carmel, Indiana, USA:
"United Autosports' very first track test with the R8 LMS was at the Algarve back in March. This circuit is one of my favorites and, in my opinion, the best on the FIA GT3 European Championship schedule. It's a very fast rollercoaster ride. I believe and fervently hope that our final races will be our most competitive – I'll be disappointed if both cars don't finish in the points. Since the Ricard races I've raced some of my historic race car collection in North America – at the Circuit Mont-Tremblant in Canada, Watkins Glen and at Laguna Seca which was great fun but the serious racing starts again now."

Matthew Bell (GB). Lives: Barningham nr Richmond, North Yorkshire, England:
"The Audi has been granted more power by the FIA since Ricard which hopefully means we can finish the year off on a high – we are certainly targeting a good finish to the year – and I'm aiming to be in the points. But it's still an extremely difficult and competitive series so I'm taking nothing for granted, it will be hard work! Since Ricard I've contested a British GT Championship race at Silverstone in a Ginetta with my older brother Rob taking the G4 class honors. It was extremely valuable for me as not only did it break the long gap in the FIA calendar but I was also able to learn a huge amount from racing alongside Rob and benefit from his wealth of experience and success. I visited the Algarve track to watch Rob race in the Le Mans Series race last month and it looks a great venue."

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports:
"Our targets for the final FIA races are to achieve top-10 finishes with both cars including at least one podium. I have high hopes for the remainder of the season with the new Balance of Power decisions. We were competitive at Spa and I expect to carry that through into the Algarve and then Zolder races. I love the Algarve track having contested the first ever race there when the circuit opened two years ago, winning GT4 in a Ginetta. It's also the first track this season we have been to where a couple of our drivers have some circuit knowledge due to our pre-season test. We've been busy with ground up rebuilds of both cars following Spa. United Autosports also entered the British GT Championship race with our Ginetta and displayed our cars at the TRAX show at Silverstone earlier this month."

Audi R8 LMS (Sportscar according to latest 2010 FIA GT3 regulations)
V10 5.2-liter engine, 4 valves per cylinder, petrol direct injection, emission control by two racing catalytic converters, rear-wheel-drive, traction control (ASR), sequential pneumatic activated 6-speed sport gearbox with shift-paddles, Audi Space Frame (ASF) made of aluminum with bolted steel roll-cage, carbon-fiber composite/aluminum bodywork, Michelin radial tires. Start weight 1,335kg. Limitation at 8500rpm for every gear. Developed by Audi Sport with cooperation from quattro GmbH. Won FIA GT3 European Championship, ADAC-GT Masters and Belgian GT Championship plus Nürburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours class victories in début 2009 season scoring a total 23 victories. United Autosports achieved third and fourth places on the team's 24 hour race début in the 2010 Spa 24 Hours.

* A comprehensive library of Editorial Copyright Free photographs can be downloaded at www.flickr.com/unitedautosports.