Long-time GT World Challenge Asia drivers Sun Jingzu and Franky Cheng Congfu will switch to Porsche’s side of Absolute Racing’s garage in 2020.

The Chinese Pro/Am duo have raced an Absolute-prepared Audi together in two of the last three seasons. However, the squad’s parallel programme with Porsche – which sealed the Teams’ and Pro/Am Drivers’ titles last season – has provided an opportunity to try the 911 GT3 R.

The pair are also eligible to contest the championship’s new Asian classification, which is open to all crews featuring two drivers from across the continent. Points are awarded to the top-10 eligible entries in each race, although only full-season line-ups will be recognised. The winning crew will receive a dedicated trophy at the end of the year.

Sun and Cheng finished 11th in 2019’s Pro/Am standings, a position the latter hopes to improve upon this year. 

“We had a two-day test in Sepang before Christmas,” he said. “The car performed faultlessly with a great blend of balance and power. The GT3 category has never been more competitive and is clearly going from strength to strength.

“Jingzu and I are 100% committed to do well this season. With Absolute Racing we will be able to achieve strong results. I am really looking forward to the first round of the season.”

Sun added: “I can’t wait to finally start the 2020 GT World Challenge Asia season at Sepang. Testing and preparation has gone well with both Absolute Racing and Cheng. We have been doing good mileage with the Porsche 911 GT3 R and we are looking for solid and consistent results over the 2020 season.”

Absolute Racing announced last week that Chinese duo Yuan Bo and Leo Ye Hongli would return in 2020, while the team is expected to confirm further entries in due course.

Team director Fabien Fior said: “Cheng and Sun are part of Absolute Racing’s family, and I’m particularly pleased to see them returning in one of the world’s most competitive GT racing series."

"I am certain that a new car will bring them a new motivation. We’re under no illusions; we know this is a super-competitive championship and everything needs to be spot on if we are to run towards the front. Sun is adapting to his new car well, while Cheng, we know is a fast and consistent driver.”

2020’s GT World Challenge Asia campaign begins at Sepang on March 28/29 before the six-round, 11-race championship then travels to Thailand, Japan and China.