Asia Racing Team RFN will contest this weekend’s China Endurance Championship (CEC) round at the Zhuhai International Circuit, fielding Kevin Yang, Yuhao Dai and Rodolfo Ávila in a Ligier JS P320 LMP3.
The Zhuhai-based team returns to the CEC and to the LMP3 category after a single outing in 2024 with a Ligier JS P3 at the Qinhuangdao Shougang International Circuit under the Blackjack Racing banner. Asia Racing Team RFN is no stranger to LMP3 machinery, having steered the PTRS outfit to the FRD LMP3 Series title in 2018.
Asia Racing Team RFN will enter the sole Ligier JS P320 currently in China, a car that is one of the most successful LMP3 prototypes of its generation, combining strong performance with proven reliability and accessibility for both professional and amateur drivers. Built around a lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque, the JS P320 is powered by a 5.6-litre Nissan V8 producing around 460 bhp, paired with a six-speed Xtrac sequential gearbox.
The CEC features a multi-class grid spanning prototype and GT categories, bringing together LMP3, GT3 and GT4 racing cars in a competitive endurance format.
Kevin Yang, Yuhao Dai and Rodolfo Ávila all had the chance to drive the car at the Zhuhai circuit in private testing. They are all conscious of the car’s potential, but understand they face a big challenge ahead given the car’s limited mileage within the team.
For GT4 driver Kevin Yang: “Zhuhai is not the best circuit for LMP3 cars to perform compared to GT cars due to the nature of most corners here. But with a strong driver line-up we believe we will be fighting for overall victory despite its difficulties.”
Team Manager and renowned Macau driver Rodolfo Ávila will spearhead the team: “We’re approaching this CEC weekend with realistic expectations, but with every intention of performing well. We know the potential of this car, but this will be the team’s first competitive outing with it, so we’re keeping our feet on the ground. Above all, I want it to be a rewarding experience for our drivers and a valuable learning opportunity for the whole team,” he said.
Completing the driver line-up is Yuhao Dai, an experienced Chinese GT driver and former CTCC Sports Cup champion and F4 Chinese Championship CFGP class winner. “My main goal this weekend is simple: enjoy the race and give it everything I’ve got. It’s a great opportunity to test myself against strong competition, and I can’t wait to get out there and do my best for the team,” he added.
Asia Racing Team RFN Team Principal Jack Pang stated: “It’s exciting to see an Asia Racing Team RFN car return to endurance racing after two years – a reflection of our unwavering commitment to delivering the best racing experience in the region, and above all, a testament to the hard work of every member of our crew.”
Practice runs on Wednesday and Thursday, with Qualifying on Friday from 15:30 to 16:35 (UTC+8), comprising three 15-minute sessions. The 240-minute-plus-one-lap race gets under way at 14:00 on Saturday.
