The Bathurst 12 Hour, a highlight on the global endurance racing calendar, has witnessed a thrilling start this year, with Lucas Auer clinching the prestigious pole position for Mercedes. Demonstrating exceptional skill and precision, Auer completed the challenging Mount Panorama circuit in an impressive time of 2m01.2760s. This marks a significant achievement not only for Auer but also for his team, as he prepares to partner with highly talented co-drivers Maximilian Gotz and Jayden Ojeda in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo.
Auer’s pole position was not merely a stroke of luck; it was a result born from a competitive qualifying session that saw the top five drivers within a mere 0.136 seconds of each other. The first half of the session was marked by intense times as competitors jostled for optimal positioning. Auer’s lap time, while it represented a substantial lead of 0.125 seconds over his nearest rival, Riccardo Feller, reflects the razor-thin margins that characterize this level of racing, underscoring the competitive spirit at Bathurst.
Feller, a rookie in the Bathurst 12 Hour scene, leaped to second place with his performance, showcasing the potential of his #183 Jamec Racing Audi. His team, which includes Supercars standout Broc Feeney and Australian GT champion Liam Talbot, now has an excellent starting position from which to challenge for the podium.
Completing the top three was two-time pole winner Maro Engel, who faced an unanticipated challenge during the qualifying rounds. Engel’s performance was atypical; he didn’t set a time until the latter half of the session, forcing him to park the #888 Team GMR Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo momentarily. Despite this, he managed to secure a commendable third position, illustrating the unpredictability and excitement that endurance racing can deliver.
The fourth starting spot was claimed by last year’s pole sitter, Sheldon van der Linde, who has consistently showcased his prowess behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3. Sharing the car with his brother Kelvin and seasoned driver Augusto Farfus, the brothers are poised to make a dramatic impact during the race.
Supercars veteran Chaz Mostert also made waves during the qualifying sessions. Starting fifth in the #26 Arise Racing Ferrari, Mostert’s entry marks a significant stride, particularly given the late surge that enabled him to navigate into the top 10. The various drivers and teams in this event exemplify the depth of talent in Australian motorsport, with Mostert’s performance being no exception.
Further down the grid, Laurin Heinrich emerged as the standout competitor for Porsche, claiming sixth place with the #91 entry. Despite being a newcomer to Bathurst, Heinrich’s ability to outperform his more established rivals signifies a promising future ahead. Meanwhile, Luca Stolz and his Mercedes team, who finished seventh, are eager to capitalize on their strong starting position.
The excitement continued as Scott Andrews, representing the #44 Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II, showcased his driving skills to secure eighth place on the grid. The Texas resident, making his Bathurst debut, brings a fresh perspective and a willingness to rise to the occasion. Finishing ninth was Scott Taylor, partnering with veteran names like Cam Waters, Thomas Randle, and Craig Lowndes.
Rounding out the top ten contenders, the #09 Audi entry is driven by experienced racers Lee Holdsworth, Dean Fiore, and Marc Cini, creating an exciting blend of skill and experience. The grid will witness fierce competition from other notable entries, including last year’s runner-up, who will start 11th, just shy of making the top ten.
With the race day approaching, anticipation swells as teams evaluate strategies and finalize preparations. The Bathurst 12 Hour is not just a test of speed but also endurance, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure. Each team will have to weigh their tactics, considering fuel strategies, tire management, and potential weather changes.
Lucas Auer’s achievement in securing pole position is not just a reflection of his abilities but of the competitiveness inherent in the Bathurst 12 Hour. Each driver and team brings unique strengths to the table, promising a race filled with excitement and dynamic battles, as they vie for glory on one of the most iconic tracks in motorsport history.