TEIN, INC. | MOTORSPORT | China Circuit Championship

HOME >> MOTORSPORT >> China Circuit Championship >> Rd.5 Report

H. Qi finishes in 6^th in the 2000cc Class

H. Xiao Le and C. Xiao Long regrettably retire due to engine trouble.

The 5^th round of China Circuit Championship (CCC) was held from September 22-23^rd, 2007 at Beijing Golden Port International Circuit, in the outskirts of Beijing. The winner of the last round, H. Xiao Le (#5), headed the field with team mate C. Xiao Long (#6), and H. Qi (#3) following driving Ford Focus' in the 2000cc class. In the 1600cc class, we had H. Qiao Hang (#20) and W. Xiao Feng (#21) from 778 Racing Team both driving Kia Cerato plus numerous other TEIN supported cars. This course is a technical circuit with 2 hairpin corners, connecting mid-gear range corners and limited passing points, so the starting grid positions pretty much reflect the final results. For this reason, TEIN supported drivers all attacked the circuit in the qualifying round held on the 22^nd. As a result, young driver Xiao Long qualified 4^th on the grid, Xiao Le qualified for his 2^nd consecutive pole position in 2000cc class, and Qi, who started using TEIN dampers from this round, qualified 2^nd on the grid, giving TEIN drivers the front row. But in the race on the 23^rd, Xiao Le and Xiao Long both had engine trouble and unfortunately had to retire, Qi slipped to 3^rd position in the opening stages then dropped in pace due to flywheel trouble. Qi didn't give up and drove determinedly until the end of the race and finished in 6^th place.

In the fiercely fought out 1600cc class, Xiao Feng qualified in 5^th position, and Qiao Hang in 8^th position. On race day they both drove a consistent race and Xiao Feng finished in 5^th and Qiao Hang finished in 8^th place.

The 5^th round was held only within a 2 week interval from round 4, and it was also originally scheduled to be held at the circuit in Chengdu, Sichuan but was relocated to Beijing Golden Port International Circuit. The 3 Ford Focus' of Xiao Le, Qi, and Xiao Long had unexpected engine and differential trouble during testing but during race week, all cars were in good condition. For the qualifying round, last rounds winner Xiao Le was given a hefty 60kg weight handicap, but was still able to claim pole position.
Qi, who started using TEIN dampers from this round said "car control has improved and it is easier to maneuver the car during corners", and was able to qualify in 2^nd place. Unfortunately Xiao Long could only qualify in 4^th position, but TEIN cars qualified on the front row.

With the team anticipating a 1-2 finish on race day, Xiao Le was unable to keep pace, due to the weight handicap, and dropped to 2^nd place. Qi starting from 2^ndposition also dropped a position, to 3^rd place, in the opening lap. After that Xiao Le and Qi fought hard to keep up in the race. In the middle of the race the safety car came out because of a crash, and everyone was hoping this would be an opportunity for the team. But soon after the race resumed, 2^nd placed Xiao Le retired due to engine trouble, and 3^rd place Qi had flywheel trouble and dropped in pace. Xiao Long, who was keeping pace with the top group, also had to retire due to engine trouble. With numerous cars having to retire in this survival race, Qi drove persistently with a damaged flywheel and managed to come home in 6^th position.

In the 1600cc class, 778 Racing's 2 cars drove well with Xiao Feng qualifying in 5^th position and Qiao Hang in 8^th. In the final race, they both drove consistently and were able to keep their positions with Xiao Feng finishing in 5th place and Qiao Hang in 8^th.

Comments from TEIN engineer (TEIN R&D Section/Mr. Ryoh Takizawa)
The #5 car of Xiao Le was handed a hefty weight handicap and struggled during the race but had no problems with the cars set up and handling. Qi, who started using TEIN dampers from this round, felt the car was handling well. For next rounds race in Shanghai there will be a need to increase the spring rate and stabilizers rigidity, but during this race week, we were able to check out a new method so we will only have to make race condition adjustments. The team will be getting new spec Kumho tires, so we will be making adjustments to suit the new tires as well.