KUALA LUMPUR: JAPAN'S Naoki Yokomizo emerged the overall winner of the inaugural KL City GT Cup but it was Fairuz Fauzy who stole the show at the Kuala Lumpur City Grand Prix today.
Naoki (Direction Racing) finished the 24 lap race in 40 minutes and 13.778 seconds to take the title ahead of Fairuz (40:49.879s), who both drove GTM class Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo LP620's, while Frank Yu (Craft Bamboo) of Hong Kong came in third on 41:13.790s in his Ford GT3.
Naoki said he was happy to emerge victorious against a tough field.
"At first I found this a very difficult course to race on but I like it very much now that I am familiar with it. This is a very meaningful win for the team and I," said the 35-year-old.
Fairuz (OD Racing) was not expected to compete after being involved in crash qualifying yesterday which badly damaged his Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 and also saw the former Formula One test driver suffering light bruises to his chest, knees and ankles.
His team managed to secure a loan car from Lamborghini at the last minute. He, however, was forced to start from the back on the grid from the 14 cars competing.
"It has been a very tough weekend for the team and I. To start from the back and finish second in an unfamiliar car is very special," said Fairuz.
"It was a tough race but I could literally hear the crowd cheering for me and that just urged me on. I had to do well."
It was, however, a disappointing day for Afiq Ikwan Yazid as he was forced to retire in race two of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo event after crashing during the first turn and subsequently had to withdraw from the KL City GT Cup. He was expected to be a serious contender.