The famous Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia always offers breathtaking shots. GT3 machinery and production-based racers participated in this traditional opening of the Intercontinental GT Challenge round. In a fantastic setting around the 6.2-kilometre undulating circuit, featuring grades reaching 16 %, comprising parts of the track. It’s built upon the grounds on public roads taken into close consideration, specifically shut for this exciting event. Unlike most other endurance races, the race started in the morning and finished in the evening. Running amidst perfect Australian summer weather.
Qualifying: Favorites Struggle, Auer on Pole
Qualifying threw in some surprises, too. The Absolute Racing Porsche #911 and WRT-BMW #46 did not make the Pole Shootout. Though the Porsche struggled all weekend—but not for any technical fault. Laurin Heinrich’s P2 time in the Manthey-EMA Porsche #91 proved this. The BMW M4 GT3 was hindered by a cooling system problem. That prevented Raffaele Marciello from racing competitively.
The Allan Simonsen Pole Position Trophy was picked up by Lucas Auer (#77, Austria) in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo from Craft-Bamboo Racing, having set the fastest time in 2:01.2760.
The Race: WRT Wins with Perfect Strategy
After 12 hours of thrilling action, Team WRT of Belgium won with Augusto Farfus of Brazil, Kelvin van der Linde of South Africa, and Sheldon van der Linde, also of South Africa, in the BMW M4 GT3. The Van der Linde brothers of South Africa and their Brazilian teammate completed 306 laps (1901.178 km)-a longer distance than last year’s winners Manthey Racing but not a new record.
Strategy made the difference: the BMW M4 GT3 (#32) had a fuel efficiency advantage, which allowed both WRT cars to take early control of the race.
The #32 car claimed victory without major issues in the final stages of the race, but the #46 BMW of Weerts/Rossi/Marciello lost its chance to attack due to a penalty during the last yellow flag phase. Valentino Rossi got a drive-through penalty for being in the wrong position behind the Safety Car—a small mistake with a big impact, as it effectively ended any chance for a fight against the sister car. The fight for P2 by Marciello, Auer, and Gounon was a very close one until the last lap.
Full results:
Qualifying results: Bathurst 12 Hour Qualifying
Race results: Bathurst 12 Hour Final Standings