Tander/Shahin pair up for 2021 Aus GT season

Garth Tander and Yasser Shahin will pair up in an Audi for this year’s Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS season.

Both have history in Audis, including Tander in factory entries at the Bathurst 12 Hour, and will compete out of the Jamec Racing/Audi Sport Customer Racing Australia stable.

The R8 LMS Evo will be entered in the Pro-Am class and carry Shahin’s customary #777 plate.

Both tested at Phillip Island last week, ahead of this month’s season-opener at the same circuit.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing the car with Yasser,” said Tander, who won the 2019 Australian Endurance Championship.

“We had a fantastic test day at Phillip Island last week and only after a few laps each in the car, we learnt that we like the same things as far as car balance and driving technique.

“The Jamec Racing Audi R8 GT3 was awesome at the Phillip Island GT round last year, so I am looking forward to a strong start to the championship with Yasser.

“It’s also really important to me that we have a strong run at The Bend later in the year, considering its literally Yasser’s home track.”

Shahin commented, “I am absolutely thrilled to be in an Audi again representing The Bend Motorsport Park and what an opportunity to work with and learn from Garth.

“In my maiden GT race in 2015 at Phillip Island, I managed to clinch a win with Tander charging behind me for second place.

“Six years later, we will share the seat at the same circuit so it’s quite a nostalgic feeling.”

While the 2021 GT World Challenge Australia calendar has not yet been unveiled in its entirety, it will include rounds at the Bathurst 6 Hour and Bathurst International.

The latter of those entails a three-hour enduro, where Tim Slade will get behind the wheel of an Audi in local Brad Schumacher’s team.

Like Tander, Chaz Mostert will also be part of the Audi Sport Customer Racing Australia squad this season, joining Tony Bates in another Pro-Am entry.

Round 1 of GT World Challenge Australia takes place at the Australian All Wheels Race Fest on February 19-21.