The Bathurst 12 Hour race, renowned for its challenging layout and competitive field, is set for another thrilling installment, and the qualifying sessions have established a noteworthy hierarchy among the contenders. Austrian driver Lucas Auer has emerged as the pole sitter for the prestigious event, clocking an impressive lap time that showcases both skill and strategy on the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit. His performance encapsulates the intensity and precision required to compete at this level.
In a gripping series of qualifying sessions, Auer, representing the Mercedes-AMG team, achieved a remarkable time of 2 minutes 01.2760 seconds in his Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. This lap not only secured him pole position but also exhibited a notable gap of 0.125 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor, reflecting a strong sense of control and mastery over the challenging circuit. The intensity of the qualifying rounds was palpable, with the top five cars separated by a mere 0.136 seconds during the initial segment, highlighting the razor-thin margins that define racing at Bathurst.
Auer is set to share the car with esteemed drivers Maximilian Gotz and Jayden Ojeda, forming a formidable trio capable of maintaining the momentum throughout the race. The success in qualifying raises expectations for a promising race strategy that plays to the strengths of the team.
Following Auer’s dominant lap, Swiss driver Ricardo Feller emerged as the standout rookie of the session, clinching the second position in the #183 Jamec Racing Audi. Sharing the cockpit with Supercars driver Broc Feeney and Australian GT champion Liam Talbot, Feller’s impressive performance bodes well for the Audi team, emphasizing the blend of youth and experience that could make them serious contenders on race day.
Veteran racer Maro Engel, a two-time pole winner, delivered an intriguing qualifying performance, starting from third. Despite a rocky session that saw him park the car temporarily, Engel managed to secure a competitive spot for the Team GMR Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo he shares with Mikael Grenier and Maxime Martin. His experience could prove invaluable, particularly in navigating the complexities of race dynamics.
In fourth position, Sheldon van der Linde, last year’s polesitter, underscored the competitive nature of the qualification rounds with his performance in the BMW M4 GT3 alongside his brother, Kelvin, and Augusto Farfus. His ability to adapt and remain competitive year-on-year highlights both his driving talent and the prowess of the BMW engineering team.
Notably, Supercars star Chaz Mostert secured fifth in the #26 Arise Racing Ferrari, just managing to squeeze into the top ten after a tense series of qualifying laps. The dynamic between seasoned drivers like Engel and rising stars such as Feller adds an electrifying element to the race, as they all vie for supremacy on a challenging track known for its unpredictable nature.
The qualifying rounds also saw a strong representation from Porsche, with Laurin Heinrich signaling his potential by being the fastest of the 911 GT3 Rs in sixth place. Sharing his entry with Morris Schuring and bronze drivers Sam and Yasser Shahin, Heinrich’s solid performance suggests that the Porsche camp is well-prepared for the upcoming challenges.
Meanwhile, the competition did not favor every expected contender. Notably, the reigning champions, represented by Matt Campbell, will begin their campaign from 11th position, narrowly missing the top ten cut-off. Such unexpected outcomes highlight the fierce competition and the potential for surprises at Batshurst, a track where any advantage gained can quickly diminish as race strategies unfold.
As the teams prepare for race day, the complexities of strategy, teamwork, and tire management will play crucial roles in the outcome of the Bathurst 12 Hour. With an exciting grid and a blend of veterans, rookies, and a variety of competing machines, fans and spectators alike can anticipate a race full of unpredictability and excitement. The qualifying results set the stage, now it’s time for the drivers to translate speed into endurance, making the Bathurst 12 Hour an event not to be missed.