A STRONG SUNDAY RECOVERY FOR TONY BATES

PRESS RELEASE/Tony Bates Racing – Photo: supplied

Tony Bates has recovered strongly from a start-line disadvantage in today’s second round of the 2019 Audi Sport R8 LMS Cup at the Adelaide 500, racing back to fourth position.

From third on the grid, the KFC/Moveitnet/Local Roadways/AFS/Bryant & Bryant Audi R8 was checked up by another competitor at the rolling start – the loss of momentum caused Bates to fall to seventh.

Despite the loss of track position and 30kg success ballast due to his Race 1 win, Bates charged through the field, slicing down the inside of his rivals with moves through Turns 6 and 7.

“Losing so many positions at the start was a severe setback; with the main contenders so evenly matched, and the aerodynamic turbulence when you’re following cars closely, I knew it was going to be difficult to pass.”

Combined with his Round 1 win yesterday, Bates ended the weekend with many positives.

“Yesterday was a massive highlight. To back up our strong practice and qualifying form and come out and win so convincingly yesterday was amazing,” he said.

“While today didn’t quite go according to plan, it’s been a very positive weekend overall.

“It’s the sixth year in a row I’ve won a race here, and we leave with 13 wins from our past 16 starts, the car was fantastic all weekend and my Melbourne Performance Centre team did a fantastic job, barely needing to make any changes at all.

“I’m looking forward to racing in the opening round of the Australian GT Championship at the Australian Grand Prix in a fortnight, and know we have the package to be an outright contender once again.”

Event Results
Qualifying 1 – 1^st
Qualifying 2 – 3^rd
Race 1 – 1^st
Race 2 – 4^th

Audi R8 LMS Cup Points
1. Geoff Emery – 41
2. Tony Bates – 38
3. Yasser Shahin – 33
4. Alex Au – 28
5. Daniel Bilski – 20

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