Introduction
With his racing experience under Team Fisichella at the GP2 series tucked under his belt, Kevin Chen once again proved that he has what it takes to race against the best international drivers and emerge as the driver to watch in the field by achieving 2 podium finishes at the Shanghai F1 Racing Circuit. that comprised of 4 rounds.
The races were quite a challenge for Kevin who had to battle the 2-12 degree weather conditions. Fortunately for Kevin, he was able to battle the almost unbearable cold by concentrating all his efforts on his driving skills, and preserving his strength and energy to provide him with much needed body heat during the racing proper. Chen took to the circuit with only one practice lap and qualifying round that were both held on a Saturday. The race proper covered three races the next day, Sunday. This was not a practice common to AFOS but due to custom issues, the racing federation and the drivers had no other choice but to accommodate the new schedule.
Main body
Having come down with a fever during the race, Kevin amazed his handlers and the racing fans by qualifying for pole position with a time of 1.45.2 during the qualifying round using dry tires on a slightly damp road. A position he held on to until he spun after making contact with a rain gutter and ended up in 2nd place. The same position he held during the next day’s race.
The heavy rains during Sunday’s race did not dampen his enthusiasm for taking over pole position once again. Although Kevin was leading by the first corner, all the way up to the 9th lap, he met a mishap that forced him into 4th place. Another car had made contact whith his own, causing both cars to spin off the track.
However, Kevin managed to snag the pole position once again by the 3rd race thanks to his achieving the 2nd fastest lap time during the previous day’s qualifying session. Having taken the lead car position until the middle of the race, Kevin was once again forced into a spin that landed him yet again in 4th place. After almost achieving 3rd place Hafaz Koh prove to be his undoing as the latter drove straight into him from behind, causing him into another spin off the track. Upon close examination, Kevin was forced to file a DNF with the race handlers as the car proved to be undrivable. The car suffered damages ranging from a lost tailwing, wishbone and brake caliper damages, and even wheels broken in half.
With only 2 hours to fix the car before the final race, Kevin’s mechanical wizards worked their magic on the car. A fantastic job that saw Kevin in a come from behind finish even after starting in last position due to his DNF. Having moved up to 4th place after the start of the race, he passed Mark Williamson during the first lap. Maintaining his pace and with a little luck, James Grunwell accidentally spun as well, giving Kevin an opening to move into 2nd place and finish the race with another trophy and podium position finish in Shanghai.
Kevin told his close associates after the race that he felt disappointed because the rains prevented him from performing at his optimum level. Lacking in rain driving experience, he felt that this was a weakness of his racing technique that he needs to improve upon in the future.
Conclusion
However, he was said to have been ecstatic about his 2nd place finish and is looking forward to his forthcoming races in the AFOS series to be held in Dubai. A race where he will continue to be supported by his family and corporate sponsors Franz Collection and Champ Motorsport.