WEC drivers swap four wheels for two
The Shanghai International Circuit paddock saw some of the FIA WEC drivers try their hand at various sporting activities this afternoon including track cycling and Jianzi.
Chinese cyclist Wong Fang Zhou visited the WEC to meet local driver Ho-Pin Tung from Jackie Chan DC Racing. Wong Fang Zhou then completed two laps of the circuit alongside Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Brendon Hartley, Porsche GT Team’s Gimmi Bruni and Aston Martin Racing’s Marco Sørensen – all of whom are keen cyclists.
Following the cycling, several drivers took part in Jianzi – a traditional Chinese game where players must keep a weighted shuttlecock in the air using various parts of their body but not their hands. Each of the teams completed 10 minutes of practice before the competition began.
United Autosports’ were the eventual winners as Phil Hanson, Filipe Albuquerque and Paul Di Resta scored 11 beating Porsche’s duo of Michael Christensen and Kevin Estre who were a close second with 10. Aston Martin's Nicki Thiim entertained the crowds with a unique head-butting technique, earning himself and team-mate Maxime Martin third place ahead of Toyota Gazoo Racing and Gulf Racing.
Tomorrow is when the serious competition begins as the first free practice session gets underway at 11h00 local time.
