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May 8, 2021 | General

Brett Hobson and Nissan dominate opening GT sprint at The Bend

Brett Hobson and his Nissan GT-R dominated a weather-affected first Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS race at The Bend Motorsport Park.

Mixed conditions left drivers facing a big decision pre-race – whether to start on slicks or wet weather tyres.

While polesitter Yasser Shahin opted for grooved rubber on his Audi, Hobson rolled the dice on slicks.

It proved to be masterstroke, the conditions quickly improving to make life hard for the wets-shod runners.

Hobson, however, was able to charge his way into the lead and then clear out, his margin an incredible 20 seconds after just four laps.

A Safety Car midway through the first stint did cost Hobson his lead, but once racing again he was able to re-establish control of the race.

He timed his compulsory stop to perfection, more rain arriving right as he switched over to grooved tyres.

After a dominant second stint Hobson then finished a healthy 51 seconds clear of the field.

The Shahin/Garth Tander Audi recovered from a tough first stint on wet tyres to finish second, Tander passing Dylan O’Keeffe’s Audi with five minutes to go.

O’Keeffe, who is subbing for Chaz Mostert alongside Tony Bates this weekend, finished third.

Andrew Macpherson and Ben Porter won the Am class in their Lamborghini Huracan.