Marchy Lee and Matthew Marsh made Hong Kong racing history today with the territory’s first ever class victory in an official Le Mans endurance race.

The duo teamed up with Malaysia’s former F1 star Alex Yoong to finish first in the LMGTC category – and 12th overall – in the 1,000km of Zhuhai in China, the final race of the 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup series.

“What a great story: the local boys done good!” said an ecstatic Marsh. “Our car was brand new and we drove it for the first time on Thursday. Meanwhile our competition had experienced a full season in Europe.

“Our performance is testament to the skills, enthusiasm and dedication which now exist in Asian motorsport – much of it from Hong Kong.”

Marsh, Lee and Yoong were driving an Audi R8 LMS for Hong Kong team KK Performance.

They convincingly won the LMGTC category from fellow Hong Kong driver Philip Ma and Switzerland’s Mathias Beche, who finished 16th overall in an Aston Martin DBR S9.

“We did have a couple of dramas along the way,” added Marsh. “Our first pit stop took four minutes instead of two because of a faulty valve in the wheel changing equipment. Then we were given a stop-go penalty of one minute because a refueller had his helmet visor open during a pit stop.

“Over the course of a long and exciting weekend, three things stood out for me. First, the quiet and unflustered work of our Chinese and Filipino mechanics guided by Fabien Fior and Ingo Matter – they were totally unfazed by the unfamiliar competition.

“Second, the way Alex executed the qualifying session in extremely difficult conditions – his is a rare talent. And third, the excellent support we received from Regis Jeandenand and his team from Michelin Asia. Bravo to Marchy and team owner CK Lo for putting it all together!”

At the end of almost six hours of racing, the chequered flag was taken by French pair Stephane Sarrazin and Franck Montagny in a Peugeot 908 HDi after a thrilling finale.

In completing 232 laps, they finished less than five seconds clear of the Audi R15 TDI driven by Denmark’s eight-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Tom Kristensen and Scot Allan McNish, himself a two-time victor in the famous race.

The victory also meant Peugeot won the team and constructors’ titles in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.

Hong Kong driver Darryl O’Young and British teammate Richard Westbrook, driving a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (997) in the LMGT2 category, were forced to retire after 119 laps.

The 1,000km of Zhuhai was the third and final race of the 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup following earlier races at Silverstone in the UK and Atlanta, USA.

It marked the first time the famous Le Mans brand had come to China and the country will host another race next year in an expanded Intercontinental Le Mans Cup series.

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Released on behalf of Ecurie Drapeau Jaune by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Two Up Front © 2010

The countdown to China’s first ever Intercontinental Le Mans Cup endurance race got underway with a glamorous VIP cocktail party at Hong Kong’s hottest new nightclub on Tuesday (19 October).

Hong Kong drivers Marchy Lee, Matthew Marsh and Darryl O’Young were joined by business leaders, society figures, race organisers and sponsors at just-opened Republik in Central.

The “star” of the evening was the Audi R8 LMS car that Lee and Marsh will drive in the race, the 1,000km of Zhuhai in early November.

“Hong Kong has a deserved reputation for taste and sophistication and a highly developed appreciation of premium cars and brands,” commented Mark Thomas of ACO China, the joint venture company promoting the race.

“Therefore, it was the logical place to host such a gathering and Republik was the perfect venue.”

More than 130 guests attended the launch, during which the drivers answered questions on stage and were later interviewed by dozens of media.

“This race is undoubtedly the most important motorsports event ever staged in southern China,” said Marsh. “It will feature world class drivers, some incredibly powerful and beautiful racing machines and state-of-the-art technology.

“Crucially, Zhuhai is easily accessible from all over the region, including Hong Kong and Macau, and the event is an affordable and fun day out for spectators.

“It means that tens of thousands of fans will, for the first time, witness first hand the noise, colour and excitement of Le Mans-style endurance racing.”

Lee and Marsh will form a three-man team in the KK Performance Audi R8 LMS with Malaysia’s ex-Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong.

O’Young and British teammate Richard Westbrook will drive a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (997) for Prospeed Competition.

The elite line-up will also include Denmark’s Tom Kristensen, the record eight-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours, and Allan McNish of Scotland, who has won the famous race twice. Former F1 star Giancarlo Fisichella of Italy will also be on the starting grid.

The 1,000km of Zhuhai will be the third and final race of the 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup following earlier races at Silverstone in the UK and Atlanta, USA.

After two days of practice and qualifying on 5 and 6 November, the race will be staged in front of thousands of motorsports fans on Sunday 7 November.

The world’s leading performance car manufacturers – including Audi, Peugeot, Porsche, BMW, Jaguar, Ferrari and Aston Martin – will compete across all four official Le Mans categories in prototype (P1 and P2) and grand touring (GT1 and GT2).

In addition, there are three more guest categories: Formula Le Mans, LM GT Experimental – featuring the Porsche GT3 R Hybrid, which combines traditional combustion engine with electric power – and LM GTC.

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Released on behalf of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, 1,000km of Zhuhai by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Two Up Front © 2010

Bernie Ecclestone believes Asia is central to the motorsports industry in general and Formula 1™ in particular.

“People used to say, ‘Go west, young man,’ but now the world is moving east,” the F1 supremo told an audience of senior executives and business leaders at “The Business of Motorsports in Asia” conference in Singapore on Friday (24 September).

“Formula 1 has gone worldwide and we have opened a lot of people’s eyes to the sport, but it has taken us a long time to achieve that.”

Ecclestone also highlighted recent global partnership agreements that F1 had signed with Korean electronics giant LG and Swiss bank UBS and said these had generated further confidence in the sport to the benefit of teams. “There are an awful lot of companies who want to get involved in Formula 1,” he said.

UBS Group CEO Oswald Grübel told the audience he hoped the bank would move forward in conjunction with F1, especially in Asia, and that it was a partnership that made perfect sense.

“We hope we are growing in the Asian market as fast as Formula 1 is growing. Asia will be the world’s biggest growth area for at least the next 10 years,” he said.

The Business of Motorsports in Asia conference, attended by 180 delegates from across the region, was organised by Singapore Exchange (SGX) and Just Marketing International (JMI).

A stellar cast of speakers with first-hand knowledge of F1 gave the audience a unique insight into the fast-expanding motorsports industry and its implications for Asia.

The summit was timed to coincide with the 2010 Formula 1™ Singtel Singapore Grand Prix.

Delegates were told that with more than a quarter of F1 World Championship races now taking place in Asia, the sport offered unprecedented business opportunities for the region’s key companies.

In his keynote address, Mr S Iswaran, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Education, said bringing F1 to the city-state had resulted in huge benefits.

“The impact of F1 is far reaching and can be felt beyond the tourism landscape,” he said. “It has galvanized companies and community groups to ride on its momentum and organize events around the F1 race to involve the community and businesses at large.”

“Motorsports events such as the F1 race offer unprecedented exposure for businesses and, in turn, generate opportunities for the region’s key companies. Today’s summit is a good opportunity for companies in the region to network and capitalize on spin-offs brought by the anchoring of the Formula 1 race in Singapore.”

Magnus Böcker, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Exchange, said the summit was an opportunity for SGX to help customers grow their businesses.

“The qualities and characteristics of F1 resonate well with Singapore Exchange and I am very encouraged that our customers have expressed strong interest and are telling us how this summit could potentially help them in expanding their global network through the association with established global brands,” he said.

Joining SGX and JMI in support of The Business of Motorsports in Asia were the Economic Development Board (EBD) Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Singapore Sports Council and media partners including The Business Times of Singapore and Channel NewsAsia.

Zak Brown, Founder and CEO of JMI, the world’s largest marketing agency dedicated exclusively to motorsports, told the conference that Asian companies were becoming more aware of the opportunities on offer.

“There is a growing roll call of Asian corporations that have successfully parlayed motorsports sponsorships into brand-enhancing positions, including Aigo, AirAsia, LG, Kingfisher, Petronas and Singtel,” he said. “In summary, Asia and motorsports are going fast – and growing fast.”

ABOUT SINGAPORE EXCHANGE (SGX)

Singapore Exchange (SGX) is among the world’s largest exchanges and Asia’s second largest listed exchange. As the Asian gateway, SGX is the market of choice for investors wanting to participate in Asia’s vibrant and rapidly-growing economies, and for Asian issuers seeking international capital.

SGX’s extensive suite of securities, derivatives and commodities products makes it Asia’s most international exchange. SGX’s services range from listings, trading, high-speed market access, clearing and settlement to depository services and Central Counter Party services for OTC traded derivatives. With the region’s longest trading hours, and powered by cutting edge technology, SGX is the unparalleled conduit for investment flows into and out of Asia. For more information, please visit SGX website: www.sgx.com.

ABOUT JUST MARKETING INTERNATIONAL (JMI)

Just Marketing International is the global leader in motorsports marketing. JMI leverages its insider knowledge, influence and relationships to deliver creative customized solutions to organizations that are looking for a differentiator through motorsports sponsorship to drive their business.

JMI is an independent, full-service agency representing corporations in all forms of motorsports worldwide. With more than 140 staff globally, JMI operates eight offices in five countries and manages more than $300 million in annual motorsports investments.

JMI’s client list comprises leading corporations, some of which include Apex-Brasil, Crown Royal, DIRECTV, FXDD, Johnnie Walker, LG Electronics, UBS, Singapore Exchange, SUBWAY® Restaurants, UPS and Verizon Wireless. JMI’s clients participate in all major motorsports series, including NASCAR, Formula One World Championship, IZOD IndyCar Series, GRAND-AM, NHRA, FIA GT1 World Championship, and the American Le Mans Series. For more information, please visit JMI at www.justmarketing.com.

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Released on behalf of The Business of Motorsports in Asia conference by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Two Up Front © 2010

“The Business of Motorsports in Asia” conference in Singapore this Friday has proved a hugely attractive proposition for senior executives and business leaders across the region.

Around 200 delegates have registered for the summit – organised by Singapore Exchange (SGX) and Just Marketing International (JMI) – meaning the event is at full capacity.

“Singapore Exchange is pleased that The Business of Motorsports in Asia has garnered extremely encouraging and comprehensive attendance from the business community in this region,” said Magnus Böcker, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Exchange.

“The global motorsports industry is a compelling driver of business opportunity. The summit serves as a platform for top executives and leaders to network and explore potential business opportunities.”

The conference will take place on Friday afternoon at the SGX Auditorium and will feature an appearance by Formula 1™ supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who will give his views on the future of Asian motorsport and its business implications.

The Guest of Honour is Mr S Iswaran, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade & Industry, and Ministry of Education, who will deliver the keynote address.

They will be joined by a stellar cast of experts who will give delegates a unique insight into the fast-expanding motorsports industry.

“The Business of Motorsports in Asia is shaping up to be the rare and valuable opportunity JMI and its partner SGX envisaged at the outset,” commented Zak Brown, Founder and CEO of JMI, the world’s largest marketing agency dedicated exclusively to motorsport.

“We have an impressive line-up of keynote speakers and special guests, about 200 senior delegates from across the Asian business spectrum and healthy media interest. This will be a rewarding summit for all involved.”

The Business of Motorsports in Asia has been timed to coincide with the 2010 Formula 1™ Singtel Singapore grand Prix.

With more than a quarter of Formula One World Championship races now taking place in Asia, conference organisers believe the sport offers unprecedented business opportunities for the region’s key companies.

Joining SGX and JMI in support of The Business of Motorsports in Asia are the Economic Development Board (EBD) Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Singapore Sports Council and media partners including The Business Times of Singapore and Channel NewsAsia.

ABOUT SINGAPORE EXCHANGE (SGX)

Singapore Exchange (SGX) is among the world’s largest exchanges and Asia’s second largest listed exchange. As the Asian gateway, SGX is the market of choice for investors wanting to participate in Asia’s vibrant and rapidly-growing economies, and for Asian issuers seeking international capital.

SGX’s extensive suite of securities, derivatives and commodities products makes it Asia’s most international exchange. SGX’s services range from listings, trading, high-speed market access, clearing and settlement to depository services and Central Counter Party services for OTC traded derivatives. With the region’s longest trading hours, and powered by cutting edge technology, SGX is the unparalleled conduit for investment flows into and out of Asia. For more information, please visit SGX website: www.sgx.com.

ABOUT JUST MARKETING INTERNATIONAL (JMI)

Just Marketing International is the global leader in motorsports marketing. JMI leverages its insider knowledge, influence and relationships to deliver creative customized solutions to organizations that are looking for a differentiator through motorsports sponsorship to drive their business.

JMI is an independent, full-service agency representing corporations in all forms of motorsports worldwide. With more than 140 staff globally, JMI operates eight offices in five countries and manages more than $300 million in annual motorsports investments.

JMI’s client list comprises leading corporations, some of which include Apex-Brasil, Crown Royal, DIRECTV, FXDD, Johnnie Walker, LG Electronics, UBS, Singapore Exchange, SUBWAY® Restaurants, UPS and Verizon Wireless. JMI’s clients participate in all major motorsports series, including NASCAR, Formula One World Championship, IZOD IndyCar Series, GRAND-AM, NHRA, FIA GT1 World Championship, and the American Le Mans Series. For more information, please visit JMI at www.justmarketing.com.

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Released on behalf of The Business of Motorsports in Asia conference by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

A stellar cast of speakers has been lined up for “The Business of Motorsports in Asia” conference in Singapore this week.

Summit organisers Singapore Exchange (SGX) and Just Marketing International (JMI) have assembled an impressive array of experts who will give delegates – senior executives and business leaders from across Asia – a unique insight into the motorsports industry.

They will join Formula 1™ supremo Bernie Ecclestone and the Guest of Honour, Mr S Iswaran, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade & Industry, and Ministry of Education, who will deliver the keynote address.

The Business of Motorsports in Asia will be held at the SGX Auditorium on Friday, 24 September.

Speakers during the opening session will be Zak Brown, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of JMI, the world’s largest marketing agency dedicated exclusively to motorsport; Oon Jin Teik, Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Sports Council; and Dermot Boden, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President of LG Electronics.

After a mid-afternoon break, delegates will hear from Ekrem Sami, Managing Director of McLaren Marketing; Rob Malcolm, former President, Global Marketing, Sales and Innovation, Diageo PLC; Shell Global Sponsorships General Manager Richard Bracewell; and Tony Fernandes, the Founder and Team Principal of Lotus Racing.

Motor racing journalist and commentator James Allen will chair discussions while Magnus Böcker, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Exchange, will welcome delegates to the summit and provide the closing remarks.

“Diageo has witnessed firsthand the power of marketing through motorsports,” said Malcolm. “On Johnnie Walker, Formula 1 sponsorship and related market activations have been instrumental to growth in brand equity and customer and distributor support and sales.”

The Business of Motorsports in Asia has been timed to coincide with the 2010 Formula 1™ Singtel Singapore Grand Prix.

With more than a quarter of Formula One World Championship races now taking place in Asia, conference organisers believe the sport offers unprecedented business opportunities for the region’s key companies.

Joining SGX and JMI in support of The Business of Motorsports in Asia are the Economic Development Board (EBD) Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Singapore Sports Council and media partners including The Business Times of Singapore and Channel NewsAsia.

ABOUT SINGAPORE EXCHANGE (SGX)

Singapore Exchange (SGX) is among the world’s largest exchanges and Asia’s second largest listed exchange. As the Asian gateway, SGX is the market of choice for investors wanting to participate in Asia’s vibrant and rapidly-growing economies, and for Asian issuers seeking international capital.

SGX’s extensive suite of securities, derivatives and commodities products makes it Asia’s most international exchange. SGX’s services range from listings, trading, high-speed market access, clearing and settlement to depository services and Central Counter Party services for OTC traded derivatives. With the region’s longest trading hours, and powered by cutting edge technology, SGX is the unparalleled conduit for investment flows into and out of Asia. For more information, please visit SGX website: www.sgx.com.

ABOUT JUST MARKETING INTERNATIONAL (JMI)

Just Marketing International is the global leader in motorsports marketing. JMI leverages its insider knowledge, influence and relationships to deliver creative customized solutions to organizations that are looking for a differentiator through motorsports sponsorship to drive their business.

JMI is an independent, full-service agency representing corporations in all forms of motorsports worldwide. With more than 140 staff globally, JMI operates eight offices in five countries and manages more than $300 million in annual motorsports investments.

JMI’s client list comprises leading corporations, some of which include Apex-Brasil, Crown Royal, DIRECTV, FXDD, Johnnie Walker, LG Electronics, UBS, Singapore Exchange, SUBWAY® Restaurants, UPS and Verizon Wireless. JMI’s clients participate in all major motorsports series, including NASCAR, Formula One World Championship, IZOD IndyCar Series, GRAND-AM, NHRA, FIA GT1 World Championship, and the American Le Mans Series. For more information, please visit JMI at www.justmarketing.com.

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Released on behalf of The Business of Motorsports in Asia conference by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR experts.

Leading executives from across Asia will converge on the Singapore Exchange on 24 September for the region’s first business conference with a view inside the motorsports industry.

The summit, “The Business of Motorsports in Asia” will feature Formula 1™ supremo Bernie Ecclestone. He will be joined by an impressive assembly of business leaders and government officials headlined by the Guest of Honour, Mr S Iswaran, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade & Industry, and Ministry of Education.

The 2010 Formula 1™ Singtel Singapore Grand Prix provides an opportunity to gather top companies and their executives to discuss the emergence of motorsports as a major economic contributor to the region.

“The Business of Motorsports in Asia will be a golden opportunity for business leaders in the region to capitalize on the momentum Formula One has brought to Asia and I’m looking forward to it,” said Ecclestone, President and CEO, Formula One Management and Formula One Administration.

“Asia has increasingly played an important role in Formula 1™ and has been at the centre of some innovative developments, like the first night race in Singapore. F1™ is a global sport driven by international business and the business opportunities for Asian companies through motorsports are expanding rapidly.”

The forum is being co-organised by the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and Just Marketing International (JMI), the world’s largest marketing agency dedicated exclusively to motorsport. The summit will be held in the SGX Auditorium.

“Led by Formula One racing, a sustained wave of motorsports-related investment and commercial opportunity has continued to build in Asia,” said Zak Brown, Founder and CEO of JMI. “We applaud the foresight of SGX to use this summit to provide Asian companies with a heightened awareness of this trend.” 

With more than a quarter of Formula One World Championship races now currently taking place in Asia, both JMI and SGX believe the sport offers unprecedented exposure and business opportunities for the region’s key companies.
 
“SGX strongly believes that most businesses can learn from each other and their applicable best practices,” said Magnus Böcker, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Exchange. “With Asia recognized as the market of the future, the economic impact of F1™ and the greater motorsports industry in this region is undeniable. We are hopeful that the summit will fuel stronger interests towards the motorsports business in Asia.”

Joining SGX and JMI in support of The Business of Motorsports in Asia are the Economic Development Board (EBD) Singapore, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Singapore Sports Council and media partners including The Business Times of Singapore and Channel NewsAsia.

About Singapore Exchange (SGX)

Singapore Exchange (SGX) is among the world’s largest exchanges and Asia’s second largest listed exchange. As the Asian gateway, SGX is the market of choice for investors wanting to participate in Asia’s vibrant and rapidly-growing economies, and for Asian issuers seeking international capital.

SGX’s extensive suite of securities, derivatives and commodities products makes it Asia’s most international exchange. SGX’s services range from listings, trading, high-speed market access, clearing and settlement to depository services and Central Counter Party services for OTC traded derivatives. With the region’s longest trading hours, and powered by cutting edge technology, SGX is the unparalleled conduit for investment flows into and out of Asia. For more information, please visit SGX website: www.sgx.com.

About Just Marketing International (JMI)

Just Marketing International is the global leader in motorsports marketing. JMI leverages its insider knowledge, influence and relationships to deliver creative customized solutions to organizations that are looking for a differentiator through motorsports sponsorship to drive their business.

JMI is an independent, full-service agency representing corporations in all forms of motorsports worldwide. With more than 140 staff globally, JMI operates eight offices in five countries and manages more than $300 million in annual motorsports investments.

JMI’s client list comprises leading corporations, some of which include Apex-Brasil, Crown Royal, DIRECTV, FXDD, Johnnie Walker, LG Electronics, Singapore Exchange, SUBWAY® Restaurants, UPS and Verizon Wireless. JMI’s clients participate in all major motorsports series, including NASCAR, Formula One World Championship, IZOD IndyCar Series, GRAND-AM, NHRA, FIA GT1 World Championship, and the American Le Mans Series. For more information, please visit JMI at www.justmarketing.com.

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Released on behalf of the Business of Motorsports in Asia by Two Up Front – Asia’s sports PR specialists.

Hong Kong’s leading international sports car racing driver, Matthew Marsh, scored an outstanding podium finish in his class at the Nurburgring 24-hours race in Germany last weekend (17-18 June).

Marsh shared a Porsche with three German drivers on the famous 25-kilometre circuit. Out of the 220 cars that started the race, the quartet finished 10th overall and 2nd in SP6 class – covering more than 3,400 kilometres.  
 
Marsh’s car carried a Hong Kong bauhinia flag on the roof, as it did in last year’s Le Mans Endurance Series. 

“This has somewhat erased the disappointment of failing to race at Le Mans this year,” said the 37-year old.  

“Representing Hong Kong at Le Mans remains unfinished business, of course, but this result at the Nurburgring reinforces my belief that we can compete strongly on the international stage – it has refuelled my desire to conquer Le Mans!”

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Released on behalf of Noble Group-GruppeM Racing by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists. 

Hong Kong’s Le Mans team has reached the end of the road - for this year at least.

SAR driver Matthew Marsh has confirmed the team will not be on the starting grid when the Le Mans 24 Hours takes place on 17-18 June.

"We’ve exhausted the possibilities for gaining a starting spot,” he said. "It’s disappointing because we’ve put a lot of time and effort into the project, but that’s motor racing. Sometimes the toughest battles are off the track.”

Noble Group-GruppeM Racing, spearheaded by Marsh, was launched a year ago with the aim of becoming the first Hong Kong team to compete at Le Mans.

The team’s Porsche GT3 RSR, piloted by Marsh and co-driver Darryl O’Young, competed in endurance races in Europe and China as part of their preparations.

But, despite some excellent results, the Le Mans 24 Hours organisers declined to extend an invitation.

Marsh then had lengthy discussions with several teams which had guaranteed starting slots, but none of them were in a position to offer a competitive alternative and the prominence which the Hong Kong project justified.

A major consolation for Marsh is that he will be driving on the same weekend as Le Mans in another of Europe’s great sports car races, the Nurburgring 24 Hours, where he will partner two German drivers in a Porsche 996 GT3.

In addition, the Hong Kong driver does have one definite date at Le Mans - he will head to the famous French circuit early next month to compete in the Le Mans Classic, a series of races within a 24-hour period for historic racing cars.

Marsh is teaming up with Hong Kong businessman and motor racing enthusiast Chip Connor and former Indianapolis 500 winner Danny Sullivan in a 1972 Ferrari Daytona and 1964 Alfa Romeo TZ1.

"Le Mans is a great circuit and to be able to drive it in a pair of classic cars will be awesome,” said Marsh. "That promises to be a terrific weekend.”

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Released on behalf of Noble Group-GruppeM Racing by Two Up Front - Asia’s sports PR specialists.