Bostik Audi R8 drivers Tony Bates, Geoff Emery, Max Twigg and Dylan O’Keeffe have enjoyed a solid day of practice for the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour today, making significant gains across the four sessions on their way to seventh-fastest in the Silver Class.
While the team’s “Pro” driver O’Keeffe completed a handful of early installation laps, the bulk of today’s running was completed by Bates, Emery and Twigg, who improved their lap times considerably.
Bates said the team accomplished their objectives for the day.
“Today was all about familiarisation with the circuit, especially for Geoff and I who hadn’t driven at Bathurst for a few years,” Bates said.
“We made steady progress and we’re happy with where we finished the day compared to where we started.
“Dylan didn’t do many laps, but we’ll give him some time in the car tomorrow morning to ensure he’s well-prepared for qualifying.”
Emery and Twigg also enjoyed their seat time in the Audi.
“I felt more and more comfortable with every lap I completed, especially in the last session of the day,” Emery said.
“Compared to other cars I’ve raced before, the Audi is really responsive through the high-speed corners – I’m having a lot of fun with it,” Twigg added.
On a day where competitors were challenged by brutally hot conditions, Bates said the drivers and car coped well.
“The Bostik Audi responded well to the changes we made, and importantly it ran reliably all day despite the heat,” he said.
“With the hot weather expected to continue over the next few days, it’s going to be a battle of survival for man and machine, but we’re up to the task.”
Tomorrow’s on-track action will consist of a final practice session at 8:45am, followed by a pair of qualifying sessions at 12:40pm (all cars) and 1:35pm (GT3 cars only). The Top 10 Shootout will be held at 5:45pm.
