Tander Lands Audi GT3 Drive with Shahin

Garth Tander has landed a drive in this year’s Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia season with Audi Sport Customer Racing Australia.

The former Supercars full-timer will pair up with Yasser Shahin in a Melbourne Performance Centre run Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo.

Shahin is an Executive Chairman at the Peregrine Corporation which owns The Bend Motorsport Park and the South Australian 24-hour convenience stores and service station outlet ‘On The Run’.

Both drivers carry a wealth of GT3 experience, with Tander regularly supporting MPC at the Bathurst 12 Hour and in Australian GT, while Shahin has raced various GT3 cars.

The entry will sport Shahin’s familiar No. 777 plate, having tested at Phillip Island last week in the lead up to the opening round of the GTWC Australia season.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing the car with Yasser,” said Tander.

“We had a fantastic test day at Phillip Island last week and only after a few laps each in the car, we learned that we like the same things as far as car balance and driving technique.

“The Jamec Racing Audi R8 GT3 was awesome at the Phillip Island GT round last year, so I am looking forward to a strong start to the championship with Yasser.

“It’s also really important to me that we have a strong run at The Bend later in the year, considering its literally Yasser’s home track.”

Shahin said pairing with Tander brings back fond memories.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be in an Audi again representing The Bend Motorsport Park and what an opportunity to work with and learn from Garth,” he added.

“In my maiden GT race in 2015 at Phillip Island, I managed to clinch a win with Tander charging behind me for second place.

“Six years later, we will share the seat at the same circuit so it’s quite a nostalgic feeling.

“After a year of very interrupted racing in 2020, everyone is keen on making the most of the refreshed calendar.

“With two rounds at Bathurst and at least one home round at The Bend, we are looking forward to putting on a show at Australia’s best circuits.”

Tander and Shahin become the fourth confirmed entry following the announcements of Chaz Mostert’s Audi drive, Triple Eight’s Mercedes-AMG and Brad Schumacher’s Audi.