Vanthoor to return for Sepang 12 Hours title defence

KUALA LUMPUR: Belgium’s Laurens Vanthoor will return to defend his Motul Sepang 12 Hours endurance race crown at the Sepang International Circuit from Dec 9-11.

The 25-year-old Audi driver has Germany’s Christopher Haase and Holland’s Robin Frijns as his co-drivers and is the favourite to clinch the overall title of the inaugural Intercontinental GT Challenge Series.

The Sepang 12 Hours is the third and final leg of the series after the Bathurst 12 Hours in Australia (February) and 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium (July).

Vanthoor, a former Formula Three racer, was third in Australia and second in Belgium to lead the drivers’ championship with 33 points. Australian Shane Van Gisbergen of McLaren is second on 29 points.

To date, 26 teams have confirmed their participation.

SIC chairman Tan Sri Azman Yahya was delighted with the good response.

“From 24 teams last year, we have grown to 26 teams this year. We have manufacturers such as Audi, Bentley, McLaren and Mercedes aiming to add the prestigious Intercontinental GT Challenge manufacturers’ crown as well as the drivers’ title to their collection. I’m confident the race will be exciting for everyone,” said Azman during the event’s launch yesterday.