Fresh off a debut win in Trophy Class for Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia, Tigani Motorsport will tackle a three-hour race in the category at Mount Panorama.
Earlier this year Marcel Zalloua and Sergio Pires campaigned the Mercedes AMG GT3 at the Bathurst 12 Hour, along with Duvashen Padayachee, where they earned pole position in the AM class. The experience the team gained at that event will prove valuable for this weekend’s race.
The penultimate round of the GT World Challenge Australia season features a unique format. Most of the season is contested across dual 60-minute races at each round, however for the Bathurst International the category will run a single three-hour race.
The Mercedes being contested by Zalloua and Pires is an older specification model, automatically labelling the entry to Trophy Class. However, with no opposition in the class the team have set their sights on challenging the AM class cars.
“Our target this weekend is definitely the AM class guys,” said Pires.
“Obviously being in an older car means we’ll be at a deficit, but I believe if we can be consistent we will be able to put in a good showing.
“We had a decent run at the 12 Hour so we have a bit of experience in this car around the Mountain which will be a bonus. It’s something we didn’t have at Tailem Bend.
“We’ve always said these rounds are more of a test than anything before an upgrade for next year, but I think we can mix it up this weekend. I’m just hoping the rain stays away, we haven’t had a completely dry weekend in this car yet,” concluded Pires.
Track & TV Schedule
Friday:
2:05pm – Practice 1 (40 minutes)
Saturday:
8:00am – Practice 2 (40 minutes)
10:05am – Qualifying (20 minutes x 2)
Sunday:
10:40am – Race (3 Hours) – Live on Stan Sport