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Qualifying
The best
After the 24-hour classics of Dubai and Daytona, where the 911 GT3 celebrated two prestigious victories in January, the Bathurst 12 Hour is the third major long distance race of the season. On the storied racetrack in the state of New South Wales situated 200 kilometres west of Sydney in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, 54 vehicles from 14 automobile manufacturers compete in six different categories. Competing amongst them are 14
Pole position in the Class B-GT3 went to the
Qualifying quotes
Alex Stehlig, Programme Manager Bathurst: “It took quite some time for us to get the 911 GT3 R where we wanted it. Basically we spent the time up to the qualifying to work on the setup. The race is long and it won’t be easy. Our competition is very strong, and this means if we want to reach our goal, that is to finish at the front, we still have some work to do.”
Earl Bamber (911 GT3 R No 911): “We were able to maintain our position during the top 10 qualifying and we can be happy with that. The shootout was great for the fans. There are a lot of cars competing so traffic on this selective circuit will be a big problem in the race tomorrow. In the first nine hours we have to try to keep out of any trouble so that we can then attack and get as far to the front of the field as possible.”
Matt Campbell (911 GT3 R No 12): “Starting a twelve-hour race from the ninth grid spot is not bad. I’m pleased how things have gone for us. Now I’m looking forward to the race with such experienced teammates like Marc and Patrick. Marc won Le Mans in 2016 and became the World Endurance Champion, Patrick has notched up many major race victories over many years. The fact that they said I should drive the shootout is a huge honour for me. That was an important experience.”
Result Top 10 Shootout
1. Vilander/Lowndes/Wincup (SF/AUS/AUS), Ferrari 488, 2:02.861 minutes
2. Mostert/Twigg/Haber (AUS/AUS/AUS), BMW M6, + 0.194 seconds
3. Wittmann/Richards/Winterbottom (D/AUS/AUS), BMW M6, + 0.388
4. Walsh/Miedecke/Bates (AUS/AUS/AUS), Lamborghini R-EX, + 0.962
5. Soulet/Soucek/Abril (E/B/MC), Bentley Continental, + 1.107
6. Parente/Bell/Ledogar (GB/GB/F), McLaren 605s, + 1.117
7. Bamber/Estre/Vanthoor (NZ/F/B),
8. Glock/Skaife/Longhurst/Ingall (D/AUS/AUS/AUS), BMW M6, + 1.427
9. Lieb/Long/Campbell/Calvert-Jones (D/USA/AUS/AUS),
+ 1.505
10. Taylor/Antunes/Barbour (AUS/AUS/AUS), Audi R8, + 1.612
All reports on the previous season can be found in our archive.