Ahead of the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour on February 16-18, a select few teams tested at Phillip Island as preparation for the race as well as the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS opening sprint round there in April.
The likes of Audi Sport Customer Racing Australia, Valmont Racing and the closely associated Tigani Motorsport, Scott Taylor Motorsport, new entrant Black Wolf Racing and M Motorsport were all I attendance clocking up vital miles.
Renee Gracie completed her first test of the year in what will be a Pro-Am entry for 2024 as she upgrades to the latest specification Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2 after sampling it in Adelaide last year. Although her co-driver is not confirmed, the decision is not far away from being made.
Last year’s title winning Audi driven by Liam Talbot was also completing laps as a variety of drivers sampled it during the day.
Valmont Racing’s Audi was shared by Sergio Pires and Marcel Zalloua as the pair aim to take the Am Class title in 2024 alongside a strong chance at the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour where Luke Youlden will be added alongside Brad Shiels.
Paul Lucchitti was out in his Tigani Motorsport-run Mercedes-AMG GT3 as it is expected he will make the step up to a full campaign this season.
M Motorsport will enjoy the support of Erebus Motorsport at the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour as Jack Le Brocq joins team owner Justin McMillan, Glen Wood and Garth Walden, a fellow entrant in Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS. M Motorsport will also contest the season as well.
Scott Taylor Motorsport will enter the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour in the Pro Class as Cam Waters, Craig Lowndes and Thomas Randle will share the squad’s Mercedes-AMG GT3, which may appear at a couple of rounds this season.
Finally, the Black Wolf Racing squad will announce further details in due course and will enter a striking Mercedes-AMG GT3 for this season.
The first endurance round for the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS is the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour on February 16-18 and the Sprint campaign begins on April 12-14 at Phillip Island.