Bostik Audi R8 GT3 drivers Tony Bates and Chaz Mostert have spent a copious amount of time preparing for their assault on the 2021 Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Series and are feeling confident ahead of round one at Phillip Island this weekend.
The Melbourne Performance Centre machine has been put through its paces across two test days, with invaluable running at the Phillip Island circuit. The extended testing has allowed the team to manufacture a setup that should allow for a car that is immediately on the pace come practice for round one.
“We’ve prepared as best we can, both myself and Chaz (Mostert) have had plenty of laps in the car now and have made some crucial inputs towards the setup. Mostert is a force to be reckoned with no matter what or where he is driving so the job is with the team to supply a car that is capable of running at the front, and it feels like we’ve got that now after testing,” said Bates.
“Adam De Borre is playing a huge role in that department as well of course. Thanks to the existing relationship between himself and Mostert, they’re able to communicate fluidly about what’s needed.”
“Another advantage we’ve got is the existing relationship all three of us have. I’ve known and been good mates with Chaz for a decent amount of time now, and De Borre was on board as an engineer for our previous win at Phillip Island as well. Those relationships are quite beneficial in a race weekend when everyone is pushing for performance, just being able to understand each other goes a long way.”
The dream combination of Bates and Mostert with engineer De Borre is one that automatically labels the team as one of the favourites, but Bates is eager to compliment the quality of the competition.
“Without a doubt we’ve got confidence in our abilities and we believe that we could run right at the front, but it’s imperative we don’t underestimate our competitors. The field that has assembled for round one is top quality and even the smallest mistakes are going to be punished,” concluded Bates.
Round one of the 2021 Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Series gets underway at Phillip Island on March 12-14.
Track Schedule:
Friday:
Practice 1 – 9:30-10:00am
Practice 2 – 12:30-1:00pm
Qualifying 1 – 3:00-3:20pm
Qualifying 2 – 3:30-3:350pm
Saturday:
Race 1 – 12:20-1:20pm
Sunday:
Race 2 – 11:50-12:50pm
