February 5, 2020

NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH ON BATHURST MOUNT PANORAMA FOR OLIVIER HART

A real challenge for Olivier after receiving an invitation from the Garage59 racing team to drive an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 at the Bathurst 12 Hours at Mount Panorama in Australia.

After some test runs on a racing simulator in the Netherlands, Olivier traveled to Australia with Nicky Pastorelli and his father. Nicky provided guidance during the race, familiarizing him with the GT3 power and its associated data.

The trio (Hart/Watson/Angelis) of the Aston Martin 159 have Silver Status, giving them a good chance of a podium finish. However, Bathurst Mount Panorama remains a treacherous circuit; something the other entry from the Garage 59 team would soon discover.

Both free practice and qualifying went well. Watson set the fastest time, as he had the most experience, and the other two drivers covered the ground without damaging their cars. Ultimately, Watson set the 20th fastest time, a good starting position for the 12-hour race. Both drivers, Hart and De Angelis, were able to maintain a good pace from the start.

Watson took the start in the dark and managed to maintain the pace of number 159, while Aston Martin, the team’s number two, quickly crashed its car into the wall, marking the end of their adventure.

Olivier, who was a bit nervous before the race, quickly set some excellent lap times and engaged in some exciting battles with the cars around him. After the double stint, Olivier emerged from the car feeling rather tired, which isn’t surprising on such a track in a new GT3.

Olivier’s second stint was more routine and involved more familiarization with the track and car. He not only surprised the team owner with his performance, but journalists and photographers on the track also witnessed Olivier perform very well on the Mount.

Starting in 20th place at the start, the team ultimately finished 13th. The Silver drivers also took home the trophy for second place in their class. A fantastic achievement for the Garage59 Team.

Youngster Olivier Hart considered this the “coolest” race of his career so far. “If we hadn’t had to change the brakes and hadn’t had a pit stop infringement, we definitely could have done even better,” said a delighted Olivier Hart.