Asian Motor Sports

Super GT driver Kota Sasaki led from start to finish the opening race of the Aston Martin Asia Cup at Sepang Circuit today; ending Dilantha Malagamuwa brief winning streak at the inaugural series.

Starting from pole, Sasaki, who drives for Team Cusco Racing in the GT300 category, had a perfect to open an immediate lead over the Sri Lankan rival and never looked back.

Winner of Round 1 and Round 2 at Shanghai International Circuit last month, Dilantha had to be contended with second place as he finished the 12-lap race 2.239 seconds behind Sasaki, who clocked 31 minutes 53.960 seconds.

“I made a mistake and had a spin in the opening lap. But, overall, I am happy. It will be a different story tomorrow at Race 2,” said the two-time Malaysian Super Series champion.

Australian Mark Eddy is third and Malaysian Eric Yeo, filling in for his Thunder Asia Racing team-mate Tunku Hammam Tunku Sulong, finished a creditable fifth behind fourth-placed Dean Grant of Australia.

Race 2, which is Round 4 of a 12-round series, will be held tomorrow. Round 5 and 6 would also be held at Sepang Circuit but around within half circuit around the 2.807-km North Track at the Malaysian Super Series.