Shannons Audi Wins Sydney Thriller

Liam Talbot and Fraser Ross took victory at the Sydney Motorsport Park in an action-packed Race 2 on Sunday to give the Scuderia-Autoart sponsored #65 Audi its fourth win in four rounds of the GTWC Australia 2023 Championship.

 

 

The Sunday Race of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia at Sydney Motorsport Park delivered a breathtaking spectacle that had motorsport fans on the edge of their seats. Amidst the chaos and adrenaline-pumping action, the Shannons Audi, driven by the exceptional pairing of Liam Talbot and Fraser Ross, emerged victorious after a strong showing through the entire weekend. 

 

 

Starting strong from Friday’s qualifying, Shannons Audi driver Liam Talbot showcased his prowess in the first qualifying session for Am drivers as he continuously improved his lap time to secure an impressive pole position for Race 1. In a dominant display, Talbot's fastest lap of 1:28.1797s put him almost a second ahead of Yasser Shahin in the EMA/The Bend Porsche.

 

 

Off the start, the new championship leader Liam Talbot converted his pole to make a clean getaway at the front in the Shannons Audi, with Shahin in the Porsche 911 GT3 R tucking in behind. Leading up until the final 20 minutes, the #65 Audi R8 LMS EVO II clinched a solid P3 after on-track battles with Stanaway in the AMG and Patterson in the Porsche who rounded up the podium of the Sydney opener. 

 

 

Starting from the eighth position for Race 2, Fraser Ross witnessed a chaotic race start as the lights went out. A series of incidents involving other drivers unfolded, creating an intense atmosphere right from turn 1. Despite the early commotion, Ross maintained composure and strategic driving, positioning the Shannons Audi for a remarkable comeback after climbing to P4 in the opening stint.

 

 

As the race settled into a rhythm, Jayden Ojeda led the pack, while the Shannons Audi steadily made its way through the field. Liam Talbot's remarkable pace in the second half of the race stood out as the #65 Audi navigated the challenging SMP circuit. Lapping up to four seconds a lap quicker than the leaders, Talbot once again demonstrated incredible form as he’s done throughout the whole season

 

 

As the checkered flag waved, the Shannons Audi of Talbot/Ross emerged victorious, claiming the top spot on the podium with a significant lead of 16.1353s over Poulakis/Ojeda in second place. The fantastic SMP win saw Liam Talbot climb to the top spot of the GTWC Australia standings, with former co-driver Max Hofer now just two points further back in second and Ross in ninth place after competing in only two rounds.

 

 

Scuderia Autoart celebrates the remarkable achievement of the Shannons Audi team at Sydney Motorsport Park. This victory marks a memorable milestone in the partnership between the Shannons Audi and Scuderia Autoart. As the GT World Challenge Australia series intensifies with a thrilling title race, Scuderia Autoart eagerly looks forward to more on-track success from Talbot and Ross onboard the #65 Audi.