Australian driver Kurt Hill is excited to continue his championship challenge as the Asian Formula Renault series returns to action on the Shanghai International Circuit this weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back in the car and applying what I learned from round one at Zhuhai. It was great to be able to manage the race from the front there. Now I’m focused on refining my driving skills, so we can get more strong results and valuable points towards the championship,” explained the 21-year old.
Currently lying second in the standings, the young Sydney based driver insists battling for the title won’t change his approach to racing, though, like every top driver, he’s eager to continue learning from the new challenges each race weekend presents.
With only minimal experience of the 5.451km/3.388mi, 16 turn Hermann Tilke designed Shanghai circuit, Hill is keen to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot, Daniel Ricciardo, who won the recent F1 race here in spectacular style.
“I’ve only driven the Shanghai circuit once before and it was pouring with rain, so I haven’t really had any dry running time. It’ll be good to get out there and drive it properly. I think the track will suit my driving style, but it’ll also give me the opportunity to develop aspects of my racecraft, which all helps me to become a better, all round driver. It was a great sign seeing Daniel win here, now I need to put the Australian flag up on podium again. Not sure about doing the ‘shoey’ though!”
Heading to Shanghai, former speed-skater Hill, driving the brightly liveried #96 Eurasia car, expressed his gratitude to the team around him and the many fans who make it possible to follow his racing goals.
“I’d really like to thank the fantastic Eurasia team for putting together a great car for this season, especially at pretty short notice, allowing us to go battle for the top results together. Huge thanks to my parents for all their vital support both on and off the track, helping me to pursue my career, and Smart Mind Institute’s Dave Diggle for helping me to prepare mentally and get the best from myself.
“I also want to say a massive thank you to all the amazing Chinese fans who turn out in such impressive numbers and provide us with an atmosphere you don’t get anywhere else in the world.”
Round two of the Asian Formula Renault championship takes place at Shanghai International Circuit on 28-29 April.
Asian Formula Renault Calendar (remaining races)
R 3&4 April 28-29 Shanghai International Circuit
R 5&6 May 26-27 Ningbo International Circuit
R 7&8 July 7-8 Zhuhai International Circuit
R 9&10 Aug 25-26 Sepang International Circuit
R 11&12 October 20-21 Zhengzhou International Circuit
For more information about Kurt Hill, please visit: www.kurthill.com.au
