2019 Liqui-Moly 12 Hours of Bathurst Entry List Revealed
- Muhammad Humais
- Dec 21, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 22, 2018
A large field will start at Mount Panorama for the 2019 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, as the opening race for the Intercontinental GT Challenge by Pirelli.
10 different GT3 rival brands and 13 different manufacturers in total are represented, with the return of the prestigious Nissan GT-R GT3, as the 2019 entry list was published on Friday.
Hong Kong-based team KCMG has entered two GT-Rs on their Bathurst debut, the Nissan drivers proving to be fan favorites at Mount Panorama since the team scored victory in the 2015 race as factory team.
The 10 GT3 brands equals the race's record number of different manufacturers represented in the top class, set in 2016.
However the intensity of competition in the GT3 class is expected to be the highest ever seen in the race with some of the world’s best teams entering cars like Porsche, Nissan, Mercedes and BMW.
Mercedes-AMG is the most numerous brand in the 28-strong GT3 contingent with six AMG GT3s confirmed for the race.
It includes the comeback of iconic AMG team Black Falcon, which will partner both Craft-Bamboo Racing and Team Nineteen entries this year. Craft-Bamboo recently announced their new partnership with AMG which will start at the 12-hour race.
The debut of the highly successful GruppeM Racing is another good news for the German brand.
Five Audi R8 LMS entries include the debut of Matt Stone Racing who are searching for an Aussie driver.
Porsche will again be strong in their search for a first Bathurst victory with four cars; including two factory-supported entries which will be nominated to score points for the brand’s Intercontinental GT campaign.
US-based teams Black Swan Racing and Competition Motorsports also return to represent Porsche.
BMW’s two-car team includes the welcome return of BMW Team Schnitzer with FIA GT World Cup Winner Augusto Farfus and WEC driver Martin Tomczyck, while Ferrari’s chances for a third 12-Hour win will improve by the addition of the renowned AF Corse / Spirit of Race team. The brand has huge fanbase and hopes for the race.
Two cars from Aston Martin team R-Motorsport, Bentley Motorsport, Lamborghini and a single McLaren ensure that every brand to have won the 12-Hour in its time as a GT racer will be represented.
Class B includes a four-car Porsche fight, while three Ginetta Australia G55 entries will make
Class C - that is, GT4 - a close fight with three rivals from KTM and the strong BMW.
MARC Cars Australia will enter four cars in the Invitational Class (Class I), two of the Gen 2 cars and two of the original versions of their Australian-designed and developed endurance racer.
A final entry list including drivers will be released in the new year
“We’re thrilled with the quality of the field and the depth of brands, teams and drivers to be involved,” said Kurt Sakzewski, Bathurst 12 Hour Event Director.
“We will welcome back several familiar names but also several new teams who will be making their Bathurst debut."
“It is truly a world-class grid and the competition is going to be brilliant between some of the best brands and teams in not just GT3 racing, but in motorsport full stop."
“The growth of the Intercontinental GT Challenge and the enduring appeal of Mount Panorama is reflected in the sizable manufacturer presence, but the addition of so many strong privately entered teams shows that anyone can have a shot at winning this race."
“The size of the grid is just about spot-on for this race and we’re very comfortable with that. The competition will be strong in each class but there will be a bit more space between cars which will hopefully make for a cleaner race, both for those in it and those watching trackside or on TV.”
2019 12 Hours of Bathurst will be held from 1st February to 3rd February at Mount Panaroma.
Shahmir Khan
Editor-in-Chief WEC & WRC, Member news desk.
In his own words, “17-year-old guy who is avid motorsports gamer. Petrolhead, die-hard F1 and motorsports fan and loves to write about cars and motorsports.”
Shahmir can be easily reached by the following address:
Gmail: shahmirkhan9181@gmail.com
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