GARY PAFFETT ALL SET FOR DEBUT AT BATHURST 12 HOURS

Gary Paffett is all set to make his first-ever appearance at the iconic Bathurst 12 Hours this weekend as he joins Maro Engel (DEU) and Luca Stolz (DEU) in the #77 Black Falcon X Craft-Bamboo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3.

The two-time DTM Champion and current HWA RACELAB Formula E racer will make his third start in GT Racing as he represents Mercedes at the iconic 12-hour race. Gary’s only two previous outings in GT3 racing came at the 24 Hours of Spa, where Gary helped his teams to a 4th place finish in 2016 and a 12th place last year.

Gary joins Black Falcon and Craft-Bamboo Racing as the two teams link up for a one-off joint partnership for the 2019 Bathurst 12 Hour. Two superpowers of GT racing, the teams will combine their knowledge and have their sights set high with the top step of the podium the objective for the race.

Hosted on the Mount Panorama circuit, the track is a world-renowned circuit located in Bathurst, New South Wales, and is known as the spiritual home of Australian Motor Racing. Mount Panorama is unique in its rural setting, with over 40 private residences located around the circuit and has hosted 1000km endurance races since the 1970s.

Having secured his and HWA RACELAB first chequered flag of the season in the Formula E championship last weekend, Gary will be eager to get back out on the track again, this time in a very different discipline to his current all-electric series.

Thrilled to be joining the team for this weekend’s action, Gary Paffett is ready for the challenge ahead that faces him and the team in Bathurst.

“I’m very excited to be racing at Bathurst with Black Falcon and two great teammates. It’s gonna be my first time in Bathurst, obviously, I’ve got a lot to learn and prepare myself beforehand. My teammates have been there before, so we should have a good package as I can learn from them. Bathurst is very different to the endurance races I have done before but I’m really looking forward to the event and I hope that we can be successful.”

Action will get underway this weekend with four practice sessions for all drivers on Friday 1st February, with qualifying and a top-ten shootout taking place the following day on Saturday, with the lights out on Sunday at 18:45 (GMT) for the iconic 12 hour-race.