Last year’s Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS season proved a standout for Prince Jefri Ibrahim as he emerged as a true contender to the best Am drivers in the country.
Although the season didn’t end as he may have wanted, Ibrahim reflected on a year of consolidation after having to learn the Triple Eight Race Engineering team, it’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the Australian circuits.
Following the 2021 season, plenty of work was completed by Ibrahim and the improvement was displayed as he emerged as a contender to the strong Audi opposition.
“I think it’s been more time in the car,” Ibrahim stated.
“I also put in a lot of work during the pre-season and gelling with the team compared to 2021, while I also have a better understanding of the Mercedes-AMG, which is due to more seat time racing not just here, but in Asia too.
“This has been the most important thing as many of the drivers I’m competing against have more experience than me and it has been a great year. The team is working together very well and growing, so it’s great to watch the progress.”
Ibrahim was in the envious position of having the vastly experienced Shane van Gisbergen, young gun Broc Feeney and international GT ace Nick Foster alongside him at various events last season.
“It was great winning with Shane, I’ve learnt so much from him racing together and it’s been great,” Ibrahim explained.
“Even with Broc, we are very close and we do a lot of training together, so it’s nice to progress.”
The work hasn’t stopped as Ibrahim attended a Red Bull camp at the end of last year ahead of this year’s program, although this hasn’t been confirmed as of yet.
“I’ve enjoyed the two years racing in Australia,” Ibrahim said.
“Going to the different tracks has been great as I’ve learnt each and I’m hoping to again in 2023.”
The opening round of the 2023 Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS is at the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour on April 7-9.
