Floirendo powers Audi R8 LMS to strong finish in Thailand series

PHOTO: Vincent Floirendo flies the Philippine flag livery with his Audi Sport R8 LMS GT3 during the Bangsaen Grand Prix, the first round in the Thailand Super Series race event. (Photo from BQuik Racing Facebook page)

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Multi-awarded Filipino racecar driver Vincent Floirendo returned strongly to the international GT circuit following a two-year absence by finishing the first round of the 2022 Thailand Super Series (TSS) in the top spots.

Floirendo competed in the season-opening Bangsaen Grand Prix, held on June 30 to July 3 at the Bangsaen Beach Road street circuit in Chonburi, Thailand, aboard an Audi Sport R8 LMS GT3 racecar with a Philippine flag livery. The two-time Philippine GT champion and winner of the 2019 Audi Sport R8 LMS Cup Challenger Trophy is campaigning in the four-round TSS with the renowned B-Quik Absolute Racing team.

Upon signing up for the B-Quik Absolute Racing team in June, Floirendo said; “I know it will be challenging because Thailand Super Series is one of Asia’s most competitive GT series. But my objective will be to find the rhythm while trying to use my experience to keep improving in every session.”

Floirendo has won championships and various race series since the 1990s, and has competed in karts, touring cars and single seaters.

The Audi Sport R8 LMS is one of the most successful GT3 racecars, having logged around 100 drivers’ titles won worldwide and as many championship victories. To ensure its success continues, Audi Sport in 2021 presented the R8 LMS evo II that is even more specifically tailored to the requirements of private customer teams. 

The latest model has improved aerodynamics, thanks to a new rear wing that more efficiently generates downforce. Also optimized is the suspension, which now uses four-way adjustable dampers, and the traction control system that allows for finer tuning. The racecar’s engine receives a new intake system with improved torque characteristics.

Having first raced an Audi Sport R8 LMS in the middle of the last decade, Floirendo will continue to compete in this GT3 car during the next three rounds of the TSS. The remainder of the season will be held at the FIA Grade 1 Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand, on August 25-28, October 27-30, and December 8-11.