Although not officially classified as a championship round of The Super Series (TSS), its annual support race to the Singapore Grand Prix was not to be missed. Vincent Floirendo happened to be one of the lucky few allowed to enter the ultra-exclusive weekend and drove his #55 ENsport by Absolute Racing Audi R8 LMS Evo II around the Marina Bay Street Circuit to a spot on the podium.
This was technically his 2nd visit to the track, but the revised 4.940 km layout for 2023 meant that there was still something new for the drivers to learn this year. Not an easy feat with the limited track time they get as they shared the same piece of tarmac with Formula 1.
Also new for Vincent is a session run that’s at night. Qualifying took place at 7:30 PM where he was able to set the 7th fastest time with a 2:06.905 lap. But what really stood out for the Filipino driver was how bright the the flood-lit Marina Bay Street Circuit was which he reckons could be driven with the headlights off.
Race 1 on Saturday proved to be tricky as it got underway in the wet with the track eventually drying up as the laps went on. While some drivers struggled, Vincent enjoyed the changing conditions as it allowed for close wheel-to-wheel action. He admitted that there was a bit of fender rubbing and bumper nudging here and there, but it was all part of the fun. The #55 ENsport Audi R8 LMS was amongst a train of cars that fought for a Top 3 finish with Vincent later crossing the finish line in a close 6th.
Typical scorching Singapore weather greeted the TSS drivers on Sunday. Time time though, there was more than just fenders rubbing with the Safety Car having to be called out on track twice. Vincent fortunately stayed out of trouble as he scrambled for position and successfully claimed 5th as the chequered flag dropped to earn a spot on the podium in Singapore.
There’s only one event left on the 2023 The Super Series calendar with the season finale taking place at the Chang International Circuit on December 14/17. Vincent Floirendo and co-driver Markus Winkelhock currently leads the championship standings by 6 points.
Vincent Floirendo: “Great to be back in Singapore this year and drive the new layout for 2023. I enjoy racing on this track a lot. It may be a street circuit, but wide compared to Bangsaen in Thailand that’s very narrow. We also got to drive in the evening for the first time, which was really an experience to remember. There was a lot of close racing with a little rubbing, but I enjoyed that. The Audi R8 LMS ran flawlessly and remained intact with no major repairs. Learned a lot that weekend.”
