Melbourne-based Vicious Rumour Racing’s assault on the 2014 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour will include reigning Grand-Am GT Class champion Allesandro Balzan.
One of four Ferrari 458 GT3s entered in the race, the Tony Defelice-owned vehicle arrived in Australia from Italy on Friday.
Balzan won three Porsche Carrera Cup Italy titles between 2009 and 2011 and also has experience in the European and World Touring Car Championships.
Former drag racer Defelice will also be part of the driving line-up, while additional drivers are yet to be confirmed.
“It’s very satisfying to finally have the car on Australian soil so we can begin prepping for Bathurst,” said Vicious Rumour crew chief Phil Hughes.
“The car was a bit late but cleared customs this morning and should be in the workshop by this afternoon. We know it’s a good car.
Click here to find out how.
“We tested twice in Europe in Spain (Barcelona) and at the Mugello circuit and the car was very, very good.
“Balzan drove the car there and was super impressive so we are very pleased to have him as part of the line-up.
“We’re not going to be going all-out to win the race, but we are aiming to go there and have ‘a chance’ at a good result,” he added.
“We know the car is good thanks to the testing we did in Europe and we think that we will have a strong driving line-up even if guys like Tony and Allesandro have never been to Bathurst before.
“We plan to stay close to the top ten, push for the top five and then if the four guys in front come off… anything can happen!”
