Absolute Racing is returning to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia by AWS with two competitive Porsche 911 GT3 R (Type 992) cars. The Porsche Motorsport Asia-Pacific customer team will enter a Pro-Am entry for GT3 reigning champion Anthony Liu and race winner Alessio Picariello, as well as a Silver Cup pair featuring full-time debutant Eshan Pieris and team returnee Tanart Sathienthirakul.
Absolute Racing has cultivated a steadfast partnership with Porsche since its inception, marking the genesis of a remarkable journey. The team has been part of the successful Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and Porsche Sprint Challenge China, and also savoured successes with the GT4 models in China's GT Super Sprint Challenge and under B-Quick Absolute Racing banner in the Porsche Sprint Trophy Thailand, run under the Thailand Super Series. It was also with Porsche that Absolute Racing went to contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) with the Porsche 911 RSR. However, it is within the GT3 category that Absolute Racing has truly flourished this partnership, clinching podium finishes and securing victories in prestigious championships and events like the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia, the Intercontinental GT Challenge, the renowned Macau Grand Prix - FIA GT World Cup and the 12 Hours of Sepang.
Rejoining Absolute Racing this season is Anthony Liu, the Fanatec GT Asia GT3 Drivers Champion. Hailing from Shanghai, this quick Chinese amateur driver returns to Absolute Racing after his 2019 Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia campaign, where he secured seventh place overall. Although Liu is new to the most recent Porsche GT3 category machinery, he is well-known for quickly adapting to cars and delivering results.
Teaming up with Anthony Liu is another familiar face at Absolute Racing, Porsche driver Alessio Picariello. The 'Belgian Bullet', who kept the Absolute Racing entry in the GT3 Pro-Am title fight last year until the final race of the season with five podium finishes in eight races, returns with the ambition to claim the honors of the Asian series. In contrast to last season, Picariello will be spearheading the No.1 Absolute Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R (Type 992) entry for the full season.
After participating in last year’s Fanatec GT Asia rounds in Thailand and Malaysia with B-Quik Absolute Racing, Eshan Pieris is stepping up to compete in the full season of the Fanatec GT Asia series. Following a strong debut at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 R (Type 992) in the 12 Hours of Sepang, where he won in the endurance race GT3 class, Pieris will continue his development. However, now he'll be going head-to-head with the best GT drivers in the region in the GT3 Silver Cup class.
Joining Pieris in the No.911 Absolute Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R (Type 992) entry this season will be Tanart Sathienthirakul. The experienced Thai driver is returning to a Porsche drive with Absolute Racing after a successful 2019 campaign that culminated with a second-place finish in the GT3 Silver Cup. After competing elsewhere, he rejoined Absolute Racing last year and went on to win both The Super Series (GT3) support races of the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay.
The Fanatec GT Asia series kicks off with the first of six events at Sepang (Malaysia) from April 19th to 21st, followed by rounds in Thailand, Japan, and China.
Team Quotes
Fabien Fior (Absolute Racing, Team Manager)
“We are delighted to welcome back Anthony, Alessio, Eshan, and Tanart. We know all of them very well and with them we’ve got strength in depth across both our Porsche entries. I firmly believe we have all the necessary ingredients to mount challenges for the GT3 Overall and Class titles with both cars.”
Anthony Liu (#1 Absolute Racing, Driver)
"It feels great to be returning to my racing ‘family’ at Absolute Racing. It's shaping up to be a fantastic year, and I'm highly motivated to drive the new Porsche 911 GT3 R (Type 992). I'll be aiming to defend my crown, and I’m sure with Alessio on board I will have a great chance of more success!”
Alessio Picariello (#1 Absolute Racing, Driver)
“I'm happy to be back in Fanatec GT Asia with Absolute Racing and to partner with the reigning champion, Anthony. The goal is clear for everyone, and I'm looking forward to helping him defend his crown and getting Absolute, Porsche, and myself our first one.”
Eshan Pieris (#911 Absolute Racing, Driver)
“The Fanatec GT Asia will be a step up for me coming out of TSS, but I am feeling motivated to take up the challenge. With a strong team like Absolute Racing, I am sure the year is going to be an exciting one!”
Tanart Sathienthirakul (#911 Absolute Racing, Driver)
"I'm pleased to be back with Absolute Racing this season, competing alongside Eshan in the Silver Cup. The grid looks strong, but I am confident that with Porsche, we have the package to achieve positive results this year. I am super excited for the first round in Sepang."
