Edgar Lau satisfied with Asian Le Mans Series return in Dubai

• Hong Kong driver looks at the positives from challenging Dubai race weekend

• Lau reveals 2022 racing development plans

16 February 2022
For Immediate Distribution

Hong Kong driver, Edgar Lau, took part in the first 2 races of the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series held at the Dubai Autodrome on 12th and 13th February. Lau drove alongside Douglas Khoo (MYS) and Bashar Mardini (CAN) in the #66 YC Panda Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II. This was the first race for the 30-year old racing driver at the famed Dubai circuit in a completely new car and although the weekend proved challenging, he took some “valuable lessons” from the experience.

The team worked on synergy and rhythm during the free practice sessions and headed for qualifying feeling confident. Lau stated, “We went into qualifying and the car felt promising”. The team struggled to challenge the leaders of the GT class, with the Ferrari and McLaren drivers showing supreme pace. For Lau however, it was all about learning the track and getting to terms with the ultimate pace of the #66 Audi R8 LMS GT3.

In Race 1, the Hong Kong racer took control of the car after a steady first stint by his teammate, Khoo. Reflecting upon the race, Lau said, “I went out on fresh tires, and a heavy fuel load, so it took some time to get into a groove. I eventually did, until faster cars started coming by and my lap times dropped off a little. Trying to learn and knowing I had limited time on the track, I observed and tried different racing lines throughout the stint. Some felt a little better and some were not best suited for our car's handling characteristics. It did give me better consistency and I learned a lot from the experience.”

For Race 2, the team made some setup changes which were reflected well during the warmup. “The car was much more compliant to our inputs in the corners and we felt more comfortable during the race,” said Lau. The trio started strong and Lau improved his lap times straight away, building confidence and familiarizing himself further with the Dubai Autodrome track. However, the team was faced with further disappointment when a mechanical problem forced the team to retire the car.

This was the first race of Lau’s 2022 campaign and he was able to build valuable experience from his return to the Asian Le Mans Series. He quoted, “Overall, I am happy with the weekend. It was good to be back in the Asian Le Mans paddock, seeing friends that I haven't seen since the pandemic. It was a valuable lesson for my first GT event in the series, and regardless of the results, I couldn't have asked for a better way to be back racing than with such a talented group of drivers. I have a feeling this won't be the last, so, until next time.”

“Also I would like to thank my sponsors, all of my friends and family who have shown an overwhelming level of support. This opportunity would not have happened without them and I want them to know that they are all racing alongside me.”

Looking ahead to the coming season, Lau is preparing for a selection of rounds in the SRO GT America Championship in a familiar car, the Mustang GT4. The first race will take place in April at one of his home tracks, the Sonoma Raceway. He is also looking forward to several rounds of the US Touring Car Championship with AR-G Motorsports. Lau continues to take opportunities and work towards his goal of competing at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“We're very impressed with the stints Edgar drove, particularly as a last-minute addition at Dubai in an unfamiliar car and on an unfamiliar track. The Dubai race was a great tune-up for us as we prepare for the 2022 season, starting with SRO GT4 America at Sonoma in April.”

-Chris Alliegro | Founder and Managing Partner of MetaVC Partners

“Edgar adapted quickly to a new car and track and drove a very solid competitive pace. Although unforeseen car issues limited race results, as an AR-G Motorsports team co-owner/driver and head coach, we couldn't be prouder of his efforts in Dubai which contributed to two top 5 finishes. We're constantly looking for drivers and sponsors, and we look forward to working with them for the 2022 season."

-Doug Makishima | COO of AR-G Motorsports