The Bathurst 12 Hour race, renowned for its challenging layout and unpredictable outcomes, has seen a thrilling start to its qualifying rounds this year. A highlight of the session was Austrian driver Lucas Auer, who showcased his exceptional skills by securing pole position in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. His impressive qualifying performance positions him as a formidable contender for the upcoming race.
Lucas Auer’s qualifying lap clocked in at an impressive 2m01.2760s, a testament to his prowess behind the wheel and the capabilities of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. This session was marked by a tight competition as the top five drivers found themselves separated by a mere 0.136 seconds. Auer’s ability to carve out a gap of 0.125 seconds over his closest rival signaled not only his dominant performance but also established him as a key player in this year’s race.
The context of this achievement is particularly compelling given the unique nature of the Mount Panorama Circuit. Its steep gradients and technical sections test the limits of both driver skill and vehicle performance. For Auer, this pole position is not merely a personal triumph but also an affirmation of his team’s hard work and strategic preparation leading up to the event. Sharing the car with teammates Maximilian Gotz and Jayden Ojeda, the synergy between the drivers will play an essential role in their ability to sustain competitiveness throughout the race.
While Auer secured the front spot, second place went to Ricardo Feller, a Bathurst rookie whose performance was notable for leading the Audi roster in the #183 Jamec Racing entry. Sharing this car with Supercars star Broc Feeney and seasoned Australian GT champion Liam Talbot, Feller’s ability to maintain pace in such competitive company hints at his potential to become a future star in the motor racing world.
The session further featured Maro Engel, a two-time pole winner, who managed to place his #888 Team GMR Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo in third position despite an unorthodox qualifying experience. Engel’s ability to secure a top position without setting a lap time until late in the session exemplifies both his driving skill and professional perseverance. The unpredictable nature of his qualifying strategy, coupled with tight competition, underlines the high-stakes atmosphere that pervades the Bathurst 12 Hour.
Additionally, last year’s polesitter Sheldon van der Linde in his BMW M4 GT3, along with Supercars’ Chaz Mostert in the Ferrari, rounded out the top five. Their ability to adapt to the circuit dynamics and push their machines to the limit further underscores the competitive spirit inherent in endurance racing.
The performance of the rookies was also impressive, particularly Laurin Heinrich in the Porsche 911 GT3 R, who stunned observers by being the fastest among his Porsche counterparts. The inclusion of newcomers like Heinrich, alongside seasoned veterans, illustrates the evolving nature of the sport—where fresh talent continuously emerges to challenge established elite racers.
Amidst these performances, there were disappointments as well. The defending champion, represented by Matt Campbell in the #911 Absolute Racing entry, narrowly missed a top-10 grid position, finishing 11th after a tight qualification session. Moreover, the anticipated entry of the #46 WRT BMW faltered due to an overheating issue that hindered Raffaele Marciello’s efforts. Such challenges are inherent in endurance racing—where one minor setback can result in significant alterations to race day outcomes.
As the Bathurst 12 Hour approaches, the atmosphere is thick with anticipation. With Auer on pole and a talented field ready to battle it out, fans can expect a race filled with drama, excitement, and nail-biting moments. The complexities of the race are heightened by the interplay of different driving styles, vehicle types, and the inevitable unpredictability of endurance racing. As teams finalize their strategies, all eyes will be on the track as the story unfolds this weekend at Mount Panorama.