Audi R8 LMS Achieves Remarkable Success in International GT Racing
Eighth Australian Title and Class Wins in Portugal and France Highlight Audi's Dominance
In a remarkable show of skill and endurance, Audi teams have clinched significant victories in various international GT racing events, highlighting the Audi R8 LMS's prowess in both GT3 and GT4 categories.
Eighth Title Triumph in Australia with the Audi R8 LMS GT
Liam Talbot, a longstanding Audi customer, emerged victorious in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS, marking his first championship win in a nail-biting finale in Adelaide. Competing in the season's sixth event, Talbot, alongside Audi Sport driver Christopher Mies, showcased exceptional performance in their Audi R8 LMS of the Shannons Insurance team. Despite finishing second in the first race behind Yasser Shahin and Matt Campbell in a Porsche, the Australian-German duo made a significant impact, with Mies setting a new lap record on the street circuit by over two seconds. The team's consistent performance, including a win in the second race and strong showings in the subsequent events, ensured Talbot's title victory ahead of competitors Geoff Emery and Shahin. This triumph marks the eighth championship title for an Audi driver in Australia, a testament to the Melbourne Performance Center's excellence under the guidance of Troy Russell and Lee Burley.
In addition to Talbot's Pro-Am title, Audi drivers Brad Schumacher and Renee Gracie dominated the Am classification and GT Trophy, respectively, adding to Audi's accolades in the series.
Audi R8 LMS GT4 Conquers in Portugal and France
Further extending Audi's winning streak, the Audi R8 LMS GT4 clinched class titles in both Portugal and France. The Audi customer team Veloso Motorsport, featuring drivers Patrick Cunha and Jorge Rodrigues, secured dual titles in the Supercars Endurance series and the Campeonato de Portugal de Velocidade, demonstrating the R8 LMS GT4's versatility and competitiveness.
The success continued in the Ultimate Cup Series at Le Castellet, France, where Audi customer teams collected a total of six trophies. Maxime Sonntag and Julien Goujat led the victories in their respective sprint races, with a notable class win in the final four-hour endurance race by the GL Racing Team, piloted by Philippe Cosi and Ahmed Henni.
These collective victories across Australia, Portugal, and France underscore the Audi R8 LMS's remarkable adaptability and performance in diverse racing conditions, further cementing Audi's reputation in the international GT racing arena.
