Audi Sets Lineups for Lead Bathurst 12H Entries

Photo: Audi

Audi has revealed the driver lineups for its pair of lead factory-backed entries in February’s Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, entered under the Audi Sport Team Valvoline banner.

The pair of Audi R8 LMS GT3s will be driven by the same lineup as in last year’s race, with Christopher Haase, Christopher Mies and Markus Winkelhock in one car.

Audi factory drivers Kelvin van der Linde and Frederic Vervisch will be joined by Virgin Australia Supercars Championship regular Garth Tander in a second car.

The Melbourne Performance Centre-run operation will be entered as Audi Sport Team Valvoline for the first time, taking over from its previous Jamec Pem Racing moniker.

“We are really pleased with our plans for the Bathurst 12 Hour and the driving squad assembled,” said team boss Steve McLaughlan.

“We have a long and very successful relationship with Audi Sport and that will only grow for 2019 as Audi Sport Team Valvoline.

“We have had a great build-up for Bathurst with the success in Australian GT in 2018 and our pre-Bathurst test at Mount Panorama in November.

“We continue to grow our relationship with Audi Sport and the change of branding for the new year is a reflection of that ongoing relationship and also the continued support from Valvoline, who have been great supporters for a long time now.

“They will support our program throughout 2019 as we look forward to a successful Bathurst campaign and a chance to win the Australian GT Championship again.

“There’s no doubting the abilities of the drivers assembled for Bathurst and we’re looking forward to representing Audi and Valvoline there – and moving into a new Australian GT season in 2019.”

MPC will also enter a third car, while Hallmarc Racing has also confirmed an Audi for Marc Cini, Lee Holdsworth and Dean Fiore.

A fifth and final Audi GT3 will be entered by Matt Stone Racing / Aussie Driver Search, with Todd Hazelwood amongst the driver lineup.

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.