Aditya Patel and Mitch Gilbert grab podium in Blancpain Asia Series

• Published On: 12 April 2017
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The duo followed the opening round with a win and a third-place finish to hold on to their lead in the standings.

Indian GT racer, Aditya Patel and teammate Mitch Gilbert finished on the podium for the second straight time in as many races at Sepang, piloting their Audi R8 LMS for Team OD Racing.

Patel, who drives for Audi India, started Race 2 in 8th place overall and 2nd in the Silver class. After fighting hard with the Mercedes of Jules Szymkowiak and the Ferrari of Max Wiser, the Indian realised he would lose too much time if he continued the way he did and entered the pit as soon as the pit window opened. Gilbert, who took over, had a clear track in front of him and sail through laps. Gilbert soon caught the cars in front of him and began to pick them off one by one and moved up from 8th to finish in an extremely credible 2nd position.

“Incredible! It’s definitely going to take a few days for the feeling to sink in. We had our strategy in place and knew we’d be able to fight for a top five finish in race 2. My pace was a little compromised having been stuck in a group of cars and we decided to make an early pitstop to hand the car over to Mitch. Once again, he did a magnificent job to fight his way up to 2nd! Huge thanks again to Audi India for their support!” said Patel after the race.

Round two will be held at Buriram in Thailand on May 21st and 22nd.