Photo: SAIC VW333 Racing

Rob Huff withdraws from CTCC season finale at Shanghai

Rob Huff has stepped down from the China Touring Car Championship season finale this weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit, stating he’s “achieved all his goals at the team this season” and will instead aid the SAIC VW333 Racing team to win the manufacturers’ title.

The 37-year-old leads the drivers’ standings by 6.5 points over Changan Ford FRD Team driver Martin Cao going into the race, having taken the lead of the championship despite competing in just three of the seven events held so far.

With Huff withdrawing, Cao is now in the best position to win the drivers’ title for Changan Ford, but he’s only 1.5 points ahead of BAIC Senova driver David Zhu, with SAIC VW333 Racing’s Jiang Tengyi a further three points behind.

SAIC Volkswagen however are best-placed in the manufacturers’ table, 63 points ahead of last year’s champions Changan Ford.

“We’ve already achieved our targets earlier than we planned,” said Huff. “My purpose at SAIC VW333 Racing was to help move the team forward with the development, drivability and set-up of the car. The team’s now in a fantastic position in which to claim the manufacturers’ championship, which is their No.1 goal.

“By stepping back from behind the wheel, I’ll be now able consult with the team during this weekend’s race and work with them to help make sure they win the title,” he added.

“Rob’s done an amazing job this year,” said team advisor Paul Hui. “The experience and professionalism that he’s brought us has put us right up front for the season finale at Shanghai, and now he’ll be able to help us make sure we win the manufacturers’ title, working with the drivers and the engineers to get the best out of our Volkswagen Lamando GTS.”