Bathurst 12 Hour Mid-Race Summary: #888 GMR Mercedes-AMG Takes Command
As the Bathurst 12 Hour reaches its halfway point, the #888 GMR Mercedes-AMG has claimed the lead, benefiting from a strategic pit stop during a safety car period. This move positioned the team favorably against rivals who adhered to a more conventional strategy.
Three hours prior to this juncture, a turn of events unfolded when Rylan Gray in the #15 Volante Rosso McLaren crashed into the wall, triggering the fourth safety car of the race. Gray’s incident at The Esses proved catastrophic, ultimately forcing him to retire.
Current standings show the GMR entry leading ahead of the #75 Express Mercedes and the #46 Team WRT BMW, with the #222 STM and #77 Craft Bamboo Mercedes completing the top five. Earlier in the race, the #2 JMR Corvette, featuring drivers Sims and Bamber, dominated the initial stint but fell back after the pit sequence.
Pit strategies diverged significantly; those opting for a standard strategy pitted post nine-hour mark while others, including the leaders, took advantage during the aforementioned safety car. Although the #2 Corvette showed strong pace, it was the #46 WRT BMW that briefly reclaimed the lead mid-stint before the Corvette surged back ahead.
Key moments include a tense battle for position where contact occurred between the #46 and #222 during a mid-race overtaking attempt. As a result, the driver of the #46, Rossi, received a bad sportsmanship flag but continued racing without further incident.
The wave-around has brought 15 cars back onto the lead lap, including the #32 WRT BMW, which suffered earlier difficulties. Notably, the Bronze class leader is the #21 Herberth Motorsport Porsche, while the #45 RAM/GWR Mercedes holds the Pro-Am lead.
With six hours remaining, the potential of another safety car could close the gaps among competitors, intensifying the battle as the race heads into its final phases.
