Tang’s racing career gets double boost

SINGAPORE — Having impressed in his rookie season in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA), Singapore racer Andrew Tang has been rewarded with a one-year contract extension and a 1 million yuan (about S$220,000) sponsorship to race for the Porsche China Junior team again next season.

In addition, the 21-year-old has also been selected to represent PCCA in this year’s Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme shootout, where he will compete against the best junior drivers from the six other international Porsche Carrera Cups for a €200,000 (S$305,316) sponsorship to race in next year’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which is based in Europe and the United States.

Tang, who finished fifth in the Singapore leg of the PCCA yesterday in a time of 28mins 15.933s, has so far exceeded pre-season expectations and currently finds himself fourth in the drivers’ standings on 144 points and 11 off current leader Maxime Jousse of Kamlung Racing.

It is an impressive feat given that Tang, who had to take leave from National Service (NS) in order to compete in the year’s first race in Shanghai back in April, entered the season with little to no preparation due to his NS commitments.

“I’m very pleased with how my season has gone so far and I’m definitely happy to be racing for Porsche China Junior for another year,” Tang told TODAY.

“From just a short time with Porsche, I think it’s an amazing organisation. It’s professional at every level, be it commercially or on the track. I feel I want to go all the way to the top with them, and I want to race, and win, the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a factory driver for them one day.”

Porsche China manager Alex Gibot expanded on the team’s decision to extend Tang’s contract.

“We at Porsche were looking for a young driver who is not only quick on track and displays natural talent, but also has the ability to learn fast,” explained Gibot. “The driver must also be aware of the discipline demanded to succeed in this sport, and is ready to make a 100 per cent commitment to his career.

“Andrew scored very highly in all areas, and the panel was impressed by his uncompromising dedication to his sport. Porsche China is excited to welcome Andrew (back) on board.”

Following yesterday’s Singapore race, Tang will now turn his attentions to preparing for the Porsche Junior Shootout, which will be held in an as-yet undisclosed European circuit on Sept 26-27.

There, the best junior drivers from the Porsche Carrera Cups from Asia (Tang), Australia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and Scandinavia will try to impress the judges over the course of two days with their driving technique, technical understanding and analytical skills while setting up the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars.

While excited at being given the opportunity to represent Asia in the shootout, Tang admits he is feeling apprehensive ahead of the shootout.

“Being selected came as a good surprise, and there are a lot of nerves for sure,” revealed Tang, who added that he will compete in both the Mobil1 Supercup and PCCA next year if he wins the shootout.

“It’s only my first year racing in the PCCA, so I felt like I wasn’t prepared for something like the shootout yet. Maybe a bit more time would have been good, but they decided for me and they said I’m feel I’m ready, so I’m very happy to be given the opportunity and I’ll give it my best shot and see how far it takes me.”