Melbourne-based GT and Top Doorslammer drag racing team, Vicious Rumour Racing (VRR), will campaign their Ferrari 458 GT3 in the 2016 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.
Hoping to continue their podium success (in the GT3-Am class) from this year’s race, the team has retained drivers Andrea Montermini, Benny Simonsen and Renato Loberto while team owner Tony Defelice will join the squad behind the wheel.
After an unfortunate early exit for the team from the 2014 event, the well known drag racer, Defelice managed the team at the 2015 event. He returned to Bathurst this year at Easter as part of the Production Sports cars category, to gain some valuable laps and experience at the famed circuit.
“It’s an awesome circuit. The top section is very fast and it takes commitment to be quick there. I wanted to get some laps under my belt before doing the 12 Hour. And at Easter we had races in the wet too so I’ve got experience there in varied conditions.” said Tony.
Tony will be joined by the team drivers from the 2015 event, Andrea Montermini (ITA), Benny Simonsen (DEN), and Renato Loberto (AUS).
After a minor mechanical issue forced the team to miss both Qualifying sessions this year, the team started in 50th position and fought back to an amazing podium in class, and 6th outright, to be the highest finishing Ferrari in a star-studded field of no less than 7 Ferrari teams.
“I’m really excited to be back with the Vicious Rumour Racing team again. The Bathurst 12 Hour is one of the best GT events out there, and the track is the best in the world for me. So to be racing a Ferrari around the best race track in the world is every drivers dream, and we will push hard to go one better than this year, and take the top step this time.” said Benny.
Ex-Formula 1 pilot, and Ferrari GT specialist Andrea Montermini said “It is an honour to be confirmed as part of the Vicious Rumour Racing team in the prestigious Bathurst 12 Hour. Mount Panorama is a wonderful circuit, and very hard. One of the most difficult in the world. It is fantastic to be with my teammates again, Renato, Benny, and this year be joined by our team owner, Tony, whom I wish to thank for the amazing opportunity. We aim to repeat the podium of this year.”
“We know there will be great competitors from all over the world, but we are working hard and we want to be on top. For me it is a great honour to be part of this team and represent Ferrari GT at the Bathurst 12 Hour.” said Montermini.
Sydney-sider, and local Ferrari ace Renato Loberto is excited to be back at the 12 Hour,
“I’ve said it the last two years, and I’ll say it again. This event is the best race in the country. This year was an incredible lineup of the best cars and drivers from around the world, and the race was an incredible show for fans around the globe. It was a truly humbling experience to stand on the podium, and I am excited and honored to be back with the team again.”
“This year will mark my third year straight running with the VRR in the Ferrari at Bathurst. With Ferrari owners from all over Australia coming to the race this year, enjoying amazing hospitality and some of their own on-track experiences, and with the continued support of the factory, we are focused on getting onto the top step in 2016!” said Loberto.
The team will undergo testing in early January in Victoria, before making the trip up to Bathurst.