24h Le Mans
Photo : D.R. - www.hopintung.com
As an international driver who has raced for many years, what do you think about Chinesemotorsports?
I think it's improving every year, if you look at, for example, the FASC are making a big effort with CTCC. It is very professional series with a lot of support from many manufacturers. Then of course there is Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, which is probably one of the strongest series in Asia with a lot of international drivers. Of course this year, for the first time we had Audi R8 LMS Cup, with amazing cars and very strong Asian and international drivers. So I could say that the level has been going up quite significantly in the past a few years.
Are you interested in the LeMans Racing?
Of course, I am a racing driver so always like to race. I spent two years as third- and reserve driver for Renault F1 team (later Lotus F1), which was an amazing experience. As a reserve driver you go to all the races and do some tests and demos. However, there was no chance of a racing seat and I wanted to go back racing again. The opportunity to join Budweiser in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia for my GT-racing debut was exciting and hopefully will lead to more. Le Mans is on the shortlist of every racing driver and if a good chance comes along of course I would definitely consider joining the Series.
Do you know about the Asian LeMans Series?What's your first impression on the Series?
Yes, I know. I think it is very good initiative and it's always exciting to see such a Series with many notable brands. Motorsports in Asia is developing very fast therefore to launch this Series now is a very good initiative.
What factor is the most important as an endurance driver?
I think you need to be very consistent, make no mistakes. Of course, you need to be flexible because you share the car with teammates, which means the car can never be set-up specifically for you. Therefore, you always need to compromise and from this perspective I think that it is very important to be a flexible driver.
Will you drive in the Series?
Who knows! I am currently in talks with several teams that are planning their participation in the series. If I will get a good opportunity, for sure I would be interested in racing in the Series.
Biography
Ho-Pin Tung is a Dutch born Chinese racing driver. After winning Formula BMW Asia in 2003 and the German F3 Cup in 2006 he joined A1GP Team China scoring their first ever podium finish at the Australian GP. In 2008 he finished 2nd in the Monaco race of the GP2 Series, the F1 feeder series. After a successful test in the young driver days in 2009 the Renault F1 team announced Tung was signed as their third and reserve driver of the team for the 2010 season. Hence, Ho-Pin Tung became the first ethnic Chinese driver involved in F1. He retained this position in 2011 in addition to joining some races in IndyCar. In 2012 he has returned to racing in Asia taking part in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia with Budweiser Team StarChase.
