Christopher Mies Dominates Rainy Adelaide Practice Sessions
Audi Ace Secures Top Spot in Challenging Wet Conditions
German Audi driver Christopher Mies showcased his skill in challenging conditions by leading both practice sessions at the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia finale in Adelaide, sharing the Shannons Audi with championship frontrunner Liam Talbot. Despite persistent rain, the practice rounds at the Adelaide Parklands Circuit proceeded smoothly, allowing competitors to gain valuable experience in wet weather conditions.
Geoff Emery, another notable competitor, encountered a setback when his Jamec Racing Audi collided with a barrier after hydroplaning in the second practice session. This incident occurred shortly after he took over from Max Hofer, placing him in a delicate position in the championship race where he trails Talbot by only seven points.
Other Audi drivers, including Marc Cini of Hallmarc and Matt Stoupas of KFC, along with Hobson Motorsport's Mercedes driver Mike Bailey, also faced difficulties at the same turn. Yasser Shahin, driving for EMA Motorsport in a Porsche, narrowly avoided a similar fate with a skilful recovery from a slide.
Mies' performance was pivotal in boosting Talbot's championship hopes, leading the first session by over half a second and the second session by a narrow margin. Jayden Ojeda, driving a Harrolds Racing/Volante Rosso Motorsport Mercedes, also performed impressively, finishing second in both sessions with his teammate Christos Batzios.
The Emery/Hofer Audi and the Shahin/Campbell Porsche remained consistent, finishing third, fifth, and fourth respectively in both sessions. The Am class saw Brad Schumacher's Schumacher Motorsport Audi and the Stoupas/Stokell KFC Audi excel, while the GT3 Trophy category witnessed impressive debuts from Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge participants Marcos Flack and Tom McLennan.
The Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia will return to the Adelaide Parklands Circuit for qualifying, followed by three 40-minute races. The events will be broadcast live, offering fans an opportunity to witness the thrilling conclusion of this racing spectacle.
