Formula One: Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific added to 2016 Singapore GP support race line-up

Ferrari Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany leads the field during the Singapore F1 Grand Prix 2015. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - The Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific returns to the 2016 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix support race line-up after a three-year absence.

It joins the TCR International Series and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia races for the Sept 16-18 Formula One race at the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit.

The Ferrari event is part of the Prancing Horse's one-make series. It was last held in the Republic in 2012.

This year's entry list features top international drivers, including 2015 Trofeo Pirelli champion Steve Wyatt. The Australian is a two-time Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific champion, 2013 Asian Le Mans Series champion in the GTC class, 2014 Gulf 12-hours winner in the GT3 class - and has competed in a number of other iconic endurance events including the Le Mans 24-hours, Spa 24-hours and Bathurst 12-hours.

Singaporean Gregory Teo will compete in the Trofeo Pirelli AM classification. Teo finished second overall in last year's Trofeo Pirelli AM Asia Pacific Series.

In the TCR International Series, which made its Singapore debut last year, features 2.0-litre turbocharged production touring cars from major manufacturers Ford, Honda, Opel, Seat and Volkswagen.

The global series includes the likes of Gianni Morbidelli, who started 67 Grands Prix between 1990 and 1997 for six teams, including a one-off appearance for Ferrari at the 1991 Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide when he replaced Alain Prost.

In the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, now into its 14th season, reigning champion Chris Van Der Drift of New Zealand will be looking to defend his title.

Local driver Andrew Tang, 21, will compete in the entire Carrera Cup Asia season as part of the inaugural year of the Porsche China Junior Programme.

Early bird tickets (up to 28 per cent discount) to the Singapore Grand Prix are still available until May 2 and can be purchased at singaporegp.sg, via the ticketing hotline +65 6738 6738 and through all authorised ticketing agents.

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