Ojeda leads three-car GT attack

Jayden Ojeda will spearhead a three-car assault for Tigani Motorsport in the upcoming GT World Challenge Australia season.

The back to back Bathurst 6 Hour winner and Mercedes-AMG young driver test participant will lead Tigani Motorsport’s Pro-Am entry alongside Paul Lucchitti as the latter makes the step up from GT Trophy. 

James and Theo Koundouris will also take on a full season in the Mercedes AMG GT3, while Sergio Pires and Marcel Valloua will share an Audi.

Having won a race at Phillip Island last year, Ojeda hopes for more success having had a lot of different racing experiences building up to another GT World Challenge campaign.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Ojeda.

“I’ve known Nathan (Tigani) for a long time back when he used to race in karting, so when the opportunity came about to continue in Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia it was a no brainer for me and to stay in a Mercedes-AMG is good. 

“It’s a car that I’ve got to drive and experience a lot over the past 12 months, so I’m looking forward to continuing my learning.

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“I’ve really enjoyed the international GT scene with Asian Le Mans at the end of last year and the Bathurst 12 Hour alongside Craft Bamboo Racing was an awesome experience for me.

“For me, if I’m driving a lot I feel like I’m at my best. To come off the back of a Bathurst 6 Hour win, you do a fair few miles and to drive really, really well was a big confidence boost for the rest of the regular calendar year of racing. It puts me in good stead to continue the momentum.”

Tigani Motorsport Team Owner Nathan Tigani acknowledged a “big step” is ahead in 2024.

“It’s a big step for us to run three cars, but it’s one that we are looking forward to,” said Tigani.

“We’re really excited to have a car entered in Pro-Am for the first time, and to have Jayden on board in the Mercedes AMG will be a good test for us. He has scored pole positions and won races in the class, so it’s an exciting challenge for us to replicate that form.

“Paul Lucchitti ran Trophy class last year, but he has been progressing really well. We feel that this is a strong combination for the 2024 season.

“And it’s unique that we’ll be trying to go for both championships – Pro-Am and Am. The Valmont Audi and the Koundouris brothers in the Mercedes are both genuine chances in that class.

“Stepping up to three cars really means we are also upping the professionalism of the team. Our aim is to become a force against some of the big teams like Triple Eight and Melbourne Performance Centre.”

The GT World Challenge Australia season begins at Phillip Island on April 12-14.

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