André Couto crowned Asia champion in Jerez

Local racer André Couto won the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia (LSTA) in the Pro-Am category over the weekend.

Couto joined Chinese racer Jason Chen for the championship at the wheel of a Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo Evo2 from Madness Racing Team.

The championship was only decided Friday in Race 2 with Couto and Chen crowned class champions despite finishing second and third in the races at the Spanish Jerez de la Frontera circuit.

The duo ended the championship with 140 points, six more than duo Thomas Yu and Nikolas Pirttilahti.

Third in the category was Selim Rafique and Jazeman Jaafar who won Race 1 and finished second in Race 2.

After the race, Couto said, “Great way to end the season! 2024 Asian Champions in Pro/Am. What an amazing year for our team. Special thanks to my team, my teammate Jason Chen, and all the staff, mechanics, and engineers who did an amazing job.”

Leong finished second in Pro Class

Racing in the LSTA Pro Class was local racer Charles Leong, who teamed with Japanese racer Miki Koyama in the SJM Iron Lynx Theodore Racing Lamborghini and finished second, beaten by Hong Kong racer Dan Wells by 11 points.

As in the Pro-Am category, the Pro class 2024 champion only won the crown in the very last race, with Wells taking the win in Race 2 while Leong and Koyama were second.

Third in the Pro Class category were Gavin Huang and Jonathan Cecotto.

After the race, Wells said, “This is only my third title in cars. I’m mega happy for the DW Evans GT team for their third championship in two years. What a nailbiter of a finale here in Jerez. It was a tricky race, but to be able to stand here as champions is amazing. The hard work that the team and my teammate Emilien did all week has been incredible, and I couldn’t have done it without him. He’s done a super job all season.”

Commenting on the championship results, Leong said, “What a year it has been. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities provided by SJM Iron Lynx Theodore Racing. We finished second in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asian Championship and secured the 8th place out of 47 cars on the grid at the World Finals.”

“There have been many ups and downs this year, but we have demonstrated our abilities. I‘m looking forward to even more next year. Huge thanks to our sponsor, team, and supporters for their continued support this year,” he said.