Audi R8 LMS runner-up at Round Three of GT Championship

Scoring a second and third place in Australian GT Championship races this weekend, an Audi R8 LMS (Le Mans Specification) has surprised local press and race fans alike, the vehicles keeping a low media profile until this, the third of a six round season.

Sponsored and prepared by Penfold Audi Sport, the (373kW) 5.2-litre V10-powered R8 achieved its strongest result yet, completing a faultless programme of practice, qualifying and one-hour races on Saturday and Sunday, the strong result taking Melbourne driver Mark Eddy to fourth place in the overall drivers' standings.

Eddy qualified fourth-fastest on Saturday morning, moving to third place in the first, rain-soaked one-hour race in the afternoon.

Starting in third position for Sunday's second race, Eddy lead the pack for nine laps from lap seven before taking a late compulsory pit stop for fresh rubber. Rejoining the field in third position on lap 18, Eddy overtook the Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 of Peter Hackett six laps later for second place.

"Its record (in Europe) last year proved it was the fastest car in the second half of a long race and it gave us a real chance to win the second race," Eddy said.

"We were chasing down (eventual winner, Porsche's) David Wall in the last few laps, but got stuck behind a slower car. With a few more laps I think we could have done it."

The Audi R8 LMS is one of just 20 built and is the only one of its kind outside of Europe. Showing its European endurance racing credentials, the R8 LMS also enjoyed success at the weekend competing at separate events in Germany and the United Kingdom.

Despite a physically-exhausting weekend, Eddy said he was "walking on air" after his team's best performance this year.

"We didn't have to do a thing to the Audi all weekend. Eastern Creek and the one-hour distance suited us and we finally got to do a bit of racing," Eddy said.

"The car is beautifully balanced and looks after its tyres well. We also had the carbon-ceramic disc brakes working well. I think we shocked a few people with our pace."

Round four of the Australian GT Championship will be held at Phillip Island in July, though due to overseas commitments, Eddy will have to resume the points chase at the Bathurst 100 event on October 7-10.

Fans keen to see the Audi R8 LMS in action can catch last weekend's event at Eastern Creek on ONE HD from 6.30pm on Friday, June 18.

Australian GT Championship (driver's points at Round Three):
1. David Wall (Porsche GT3 997 Cup S) 291 pts
2. Peter Hackett (Lamborghini Gallardo GT3) 260.5 pts
3. Dean Grant (Lamborghini Gallardo GT3) 235.5 pts
4. Mark Eddy (Audi R8 LMS) 205 pts
5. Greg Crick (Dodge Viper GT3) 197 pts

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