AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX SUPPORT WRAP – SATURDAY


Craig Baird backed up his earlier race win in Australian GT – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde
SATURDAY AT the Australian Grand Prix started in the morning with a deluge for the support cast in Australian GT and the one-make Ferraris but fined up for Carrera Cup in the afternoon.
Shannons Australian GT Championship
FROM A twilight run on Friday to a very wet race three, it was Craig Baird who showed the way, controlling the morning race until it came under the direction of a safety car to the end.
Because of the deluge, the race started in single file formation after a couple of laps following the safety car. Behind Baird in the Mercedes-Benz AMG GTS, Giancarlo Fisichella (Ferrari 488) held second until challenged and passed by Marcel Fassler (Audi R8 LMS) who would be the runner-up.
Before the second safety car appeared, when Ash Samadi (Audi) crashed, John Martin (Porsche 911 GT3-R) also relegated the 2005 AGP winner. Crossing the line in fifth was Steve Richards (BMW M6) ahead of Dom Storey (Mercedes) and Fraser Ross (Mercedes).
Dean Canto (Lamborghini Huracan) followed them across the line ahead of Jaie Robson (Mercedes) but was relegated to 20th, penalised for starting outside his pit box.
For the third time this weekend, Nick Kelly (Audi R8 LMS Ultra) was the best of the Trophy cars and finished tenth overall. This time though Audis (with Matt Stoupas and Rio Nugara) filled the top three ahead of John Morriss (Porsche GT3-R).
The weather proved a turnaround in GT4 where Justin McMillian in his KTM X-Bow, won ahead of Xavier West (BMW M4) with Jeremy Gray, previously undefeated in the class, third in his Aston Martin.
Wilson Security Carrera Cup

Dale Wood is three from three in Porsche Carrera Cup – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde
CONTINUING ON his winning way in the second round, Dale Wood again did it tough, holding off Jaxon Evans for the win. Behind them Alex Davison continued to charge up the order after a first race penalty, nabbing third off Michael Almond as they crossed the finish line.
The circuit’s starting lights failed, forcing the race to start behind the safety car. After the first lap, the safety car exited the circuit and Wood headed the field.
Behind the first four finishers, it was Jordan Love and Nick McBride who started ninth on the grid. Dylan O’Keeffe placed seventh from James Moffat, who came together with his teammate David Wall at turn 15 on lap three, resulting in both spinning. Wall ultimately placed 14th, having a further altercation later.
Stephen Grove’s fortunes changed dramatically as he headed the TAG Heuer Pro-Am Pro-Am field at the finish. Tim Miles was second in class from Dean Cook, Greg Taylor, Max Twigg and Sam Shahin.
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli – Asia Pacific

Rama Danindro took out the opening Ferrari Challenge race – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde
FROM THIRD on the grid at the start behind the safety car, Indonesian Rama Danindro has taken the opening race in very wet conditions.
Firstly, he relegated fellow countryman Rinaldi Hutasoit before rounding up race leader and polesitter, American James Weiland. Danindro then edged out a solid advantage until the safety car re-emerged when Thailand’s Kanthicha Chimsiri fired off the circuit.
She wasn’t the first to have difficulty in the tricky conditions as previously Tani Hanna (Lebanon), Ken Seto (Japan) and Kent Chen (Taipei) came unstuck, but they were able to recover. Not so New Zealander David Dicker who stopped but parked in a safe position.
In fourth at the end was 2017 series champion Italian Philippe Prette, ahead of Hong Kong drivers Vincent Wong and Alex Au, and Australian Martin Berry in sixth.
For more of the latest Australian Grand Prix news, pick up the latest issue of Auto Action, on sale now. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.