Multiple Australian GT Championship race winner Tony Bates has revealed a dashing new paint scheme for his Audi R8 ahead of the opening round of the 2019 Australian GT Championship at the Rolex Australian Grand Prix this weekend.
The KFC/Moveitnet/Local Roadways/C-Tech Laser/AFS/Bryant & Bryant Audi R8 LMS GT3 has also been fitted with the latest 2019-spec components, following on from Bates’ winning weekend in the Audi R8 LMS Cup at the Adelaide 500.
While the car was already a strong package, Bates feels the upgrades might make it a bit more user friendly at the Albert Park street circuit.
“The 2019 upgrades are not major, but I’m expecting them to improve the high-speed stability of the car, which will be an advantage at a flowing circuit such as Albert Park,” Bates said.
“The car was obviously competitive in Adelaide, but now we’re racing in GT competition where we’re against different types of cars, including some brand-new race cars.
“The equipment in GT racing is constantly evolving and it’s important to be on top of our game, so I’m thankful the upgrades have been installed in time for the Grand Prix event.”
Like last year’s Grand Prix AGT round, this weekend consists of four races. However, teams are no longer permitted to run Pro-ranked drivers at sprint events, which has resulted in all outright-class competitors electing to run solo.
Two qualifying sessions will be held – the first session will set the grid positions for Race 1, while the second session will set the grid for Race 2.
The grid positions for Races 3 and 4 will be determined by the respective finishing positions of Races 1 and 2.
Australian GT Championship – Round 1 Schedule
Thursday, 14 March
11:50 – Qualifying 1 (20 min)
15:40 – Qualifying 2 (20 min)
18:25 – Race 1 (25 min)
Friday, 15 March
10:15 – Race 2 (25 min)
Saturday, 16 March
9:55 – Race 3 (25 min)
Sunday, 17 March
11:40 – Race 4 (25 min)
