More high profile Australian drivers have been announced as part of the Monochrome GT4 Australia Series grid ahead of its highly anticipated solo debut at the Shannons SpeedSeries’ Race Phillip Island.
Third-generation drivers Sam Brabham and Antonio Astuti have both been confirmed for the season opener and will link up with Love Racing in a pair of Mercedes-AMG GT4s.
Purchase tickets to the Race Phillip Island via motorsporttickets.com.au
With Love Racing only recently formed, Brabham and Astuti bring a wealth of experience to the father-son team, who will be contesting their first ever full-season campaign.
Grandson of F1 legend Sir Jack Brabham and son of Le Mans winner David, Sam Brabham will race with young Bailey Love, and will look to add to his many GT4 and GT3 successes both in Australia and abroad.
“I’ve spent a bit of time in GT4 cars, and we’ve had some good seat time with the Loves in testing. It’s going to be a good year. I’m really looking forward to it,” Brabham said.
“Our aim is to bring these guys up to speed as quickly as we can and start getting some good results. Bailey is still very new to car racing, but he has a lot of potential.
“We’re going to a few new circuits for the Loves, but they are approaching it the right way.
“I’m delighted with the chance to race again. I’ve worked with these guys for a while in track days, and at the beginning, there was no real plan for them to go racing. They are committed and it’s great to see.”
Astuti also brings plenty of experience to the table, having enjoyed a number of open-wheel racing campaigns both in Formula 4 and in S5000, and will partner up with Bailey’s father, Rob.
“GT racing is what I’ve always wanted to be part of career wise. It’s pretty cool to be able to restart my racing journey in a GT car,” Astuti added.
“I think the competition for the Pros and AMs is looking very competitive. I’ve heard of some quick guys in the field in both classes, which will provide a really cool challenge.
“I’ve had a couple of chances to drive the car. The Mercedes is very enjoyable to drive and learn how to extract speed from. Compared to the wings and slicks that I’ve driven in the past, it’s certainly a lot different.
“I think the cars will provide great racing with low aero and lots of mechanical grip.
“It’s Rob’s first season in national motorsport. My goal is to help him progress as much as possible. It’s a competitive field, and he is very competitive too, so we are just using the first round as a base line and then improving from there.”
The Monochrome GT4 Australia Series will begin its 2024 season at Race Phillip Island and will join the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, Trico Trans Am, Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia and the Workhorse Radical Cup Australia at the Shannons SpeedSeries event.
The category will have two one-hour races over the course of its opening weekend, with Saturday’s race to wrap up the day’s proceedings before its second race runs on Sunday morning.
Both races will feature as part of the live and free 7plus broadcast.
Buy tickets for Race Phillip Island.
Race Phillip Island takes place at the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 12-14 April.
