Experienced Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS Am Class contender Marc Cini is preparing to make his first start at Phillip Island in the category having never raced his Hallmarc Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2 at the famed circuit.
Although not going in totally blind after testing the Audi at the fast circuit recently, Cini is still entering the unknown and is excited to be making a return to Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia following a couple of appearances during the past two seasons.
Cini got his racing year off to a great start by finishing fourth in Pro-Am at the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour in February where he was joined by Lee Holdsworth and Dean Fiore.
In its distinctive red and black livery, the Hallmarc Audi of Cini will complete a part-campaign in 2024.
The competition in Am Class will be just as strong in the Pro-Am category thanks to the addition of Tony Bates in an Ashley Seward Motorsport-run Mercedes-AMG GT3, fellow Audi runners Ash Samadi and Valmont Racing in addition to the Tigani Motorsport entry for the Koundouris brothers - James and Theo.
The Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS begins on April 12-14 at Phillip Island as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries to be broadcast live on 7mate and 7plus.
QUOTES
Marc Cini,
Hallmarc, Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2
“I’ve never raced at Phillip Island in that car before, so it will be interesting,” said Cini.
“I did a test day last week and the Audi is phenomenal around that circuit. Extremely good.
“To be honest, it’s hooking up with friends I've raced with for 20-odd years like the Koundouris brothers and Ash Samadi, Tony Bates will be there. I’m looking forward to a bit of fun in the Am Class.
“The Am Class is very competitive, but also there’s a good layer of camaraderie, which is terrific.
“I’ve been with Audi/MPC for the last 10 years now and it’s been a very nice journey.
“I have no idea how I am going to go as it’s my first time I’ve raced in the series other than Adelaide last year and Sandown in 2022, plus I’ve never raced the Audi there.
“I’ll be doing more Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS rounds this year, but I’ve got a couple of overseas trips I have to do and I’m not sure of the rounds that will fit into my schedule.”