British GT: Audi teams eager to do well at Silverstone 500

By Tarek Ramchani

Silverstone is hosting the third round of the British GT Championship this weekend. A very special 3-hour endurance event and an impressive entry list. Three Audi R8 LMS and ultra cars will be there aiming to do well.

United Autosports drivers Mark Patterson and Matt Bell, the drivers of the #25 Audi R8 LMS ultra, are now second overall in the points standings. The two drivers have 42.5 points, only half a point behind the series leaders David Ashburn and Nick Tandy, with the Trackspeed Porsche. Last time out at Rockingham Patterson and Bell ended in a strong third place after the two-hour race.

The second Audi R8 LMS ultra car is from M-Sport. The World Rally Championship specialists had a very strong Rockingham round. Rembert Berg and Warren Hughes finished the race in second with their #10 Audi. At Silverstone the Scottish based team will again fight for strong points. Rembert and Hughes are now fifth overall with 27 points, not bad as they were not classified for points in the first round at Oulton Park.

PE Group Blendini Motorsport will field the third Audi, an older specification R8 LMS. Dom Evans and Tom Roche will be the drivers of the #11 R8 LMS. At Rockingham they finished in seventeenth place.

The Silverstone 500 event will have live coverage on Motors TV. No less than 48 cars will enter the race, with a format similar to the one used in the Blancpain Endurance Series. As was the case in the first two rounds, the Audi squad will have to fight hard against a great quality field of GT3 cars. The Trackspeed Porsche 997 GT3 R cars will be the ones to beat.

Photo credit: British GT Championship

British GT: Strong second and fourth for Audi teams at Rockingham

By Tarek Ramchani

The British GT Championship had a 2-hour race at Rockingham today, the second round of the 2013 season. Three Audi R8 LMS cars took part in the event with great results in the end.

The #10 Audi R8 LMS ultra of M-Sport finished in a very strong second place overall. The Scottish run car shared by Rembert Berg and Warren Hughes finished less than seventeen seconds behind the race winning Porsche GT3 R from Trackspeed. Both drivers battled really hard on track in a very healthy and strong field of GT3 cars.

Another Audi doing well was the #25 R8 LMS ultra from United Autosports. Mark Patterson and Matt Bell finished in a positive fourth place. The United Autosports Audi started sixth on the grid. A good performance after Mark Pattersson had spun and lost several places earlier in the race.

The #11 Audi R8 LMS from PE Group Blendini Motorsport finished in nineteenth place. The car driven by Dom Evans and Tom Roche.

The next British GT Championship round will be at Silverstone. A special three-hour race format, the same format used in the Blancpain Endurance Series. More than 40 cars are expected at the "Temple of British Motorsport".

Photo credit: United Autosports

British GT: United Autosports Audi R8 LMS ultra sixth in qualifying at Rockingham

By Tarek Ramchani

The British GT Championship is at Rockingham this weekend, for the round two of the series. Three Audi R8 LMS and ultra cars from three different teams have entered the event

As seen at Oulton Park last time out, United Autosports is clearly the leading Audi entry in the British GT. The #25 Audi R8 LMS ultra (2012), shared by Matt Bell and Mark Patterson, qualified in a very positive sixth place for the 2-hour event tomorrow. They qualified with a time of 1.23:288, the car was only 0.711 slower than the pole setting Trackspeed Porsche GT3 R. Both Patterson and Bell are fifth in the overall points standings.

The second Audi R8 LMS ultra (2013) in the field is from M-Sport. The #10 entry of drivers Rembert Berg and Warren Hughes will start eleventh on the grid. The 2013 R8 LMS ultra, which is now fully homologated by the FIA, will able to score points.

The third Audi R8 LMS entry is E Group Blendini Motor. / Dom Evans. An older specification R16 in the hands of Dom Evans and Tom Roche. The car qualified in twenty-seventh.

The qualifying session results can be found here.

The two-hour race is set for tomorrow. The event will have very special coverage by the talented team from Radio Le Mans. We wish the best of luck to all three Audi teams

Photo credit: British GT

British GT: Three Audi R8 LMS ready to fight at Rockingham round 2

By Tarek Ramchani

The second round of the British GT Championship will be at Rockingham next monday. A healthy 30-car grid is expected for the two-hour endurance event, including three Audi R8 LMS and ultra cars, from three different teams.

Leading the Audi squad will be United Autosports, the Anglo-American team had a great season opener at Oulton Park last time out. Both Matt Bell and Mark Patterson finished in a strong second place in race two with their #25 Audi R8 LMS ultra (2012 spec). In the championship points standings both drivers are fifth overall and ahead of their teammates with the McLaren MP4-12C cars.

The second Audi R8 LMS ultra is from M-Sport. The Scottish based team entered a full 2013 spec car at Oulton Park, when the car was not yet homologated by the FIA, meaning they were not allowed to score points. The team competed in an individual class, with special dispensation from the organisors, due to the non-homologated status. The drivers of the #10 M-Sport entry are Rembert Berg and Warren Hughes.

PE Group Blendini Motorsport will field the third Audi, an older specification R8 LMS. Dom Evans and Tom Roche will be the drivers of the #11 R8 LMS.

As seen at Oulton Park the British GT Championship is clearly one of the strongest national GT series worldwide. Close racing with hard battles on track for the top spots. The three Audi teams will have to fight against a very strong field from Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren cars.

Photo credit: British GT Championship

Gallery: United Autosports Audi R8 LMS ultra at Oulton Park British GT round 1

By Tarek Ramchani

The British GT had its season opener at Oulton Park last weekend. Three Audi R8 LMS and ultra cars entered the event. Fierce battles took place on track during the two races, in what is clearly one of the finest national GT series in Europe. In the end a fantastic second place finish for United Autosports with their #25 Audi R8 LMS ultra driven by Matt Bell and Mark Patterson.

Here is a selection of great photos from Oulton Park, featuring the Anglo-American R16.

Photo credit: United Autosports

After strong pace throughout - heartbreaking end to Bathurst 12 Hour for United Autosports

United Autosports Press Release

After battling on track for eleven hours and fifty minutes, the United Autosports team had to admit defeat when an incident on track saw Brendon Hartley in the No 23 Audi R8 LMS Ultra pit for repairs with ten minutes to go.

Mark Patterson took the start and managed to keep out of trouble and stay close to the leaders. All three drivers did an incredible job and kept up a strong pace, bringing the car as high as fifth from a 14th place qualifying position, putting themselves in contention for a solid result. Alain Li and Brendon Hartley put in strong performances and at one stage the United Autosports No 23 was the highest placed Audi on track. With the predicted wet weather coming into play, it was an action-packed final half hour. Then with a mere 10 minutes left, the skies opened again and virtually all of the cars stopped for wet weather tyres. With conditions on the track worsening, Brendon slid into the wall and had to return to the pits. Despite the best efforts of the team who worked frantically to repair the car, they were unable to get it back on track to take the flag.

Erik Petersen (USA) Engineer, United Autosports
"It was a really tough race this year with traffic and some very questionable driving from some of the lower classes but in the end it is the same for everyone. Mark, Alain and Brendon drove a fantastic race. The weather played its hand in the last hour and twenty minutes that had everyone scrambling for wets and then dry, then back to wets in the last 10 minutes. We were hoping to just hang on as the rain was heavy up at the top of the mountain but less in the pit lane. With 8 minutes left we unfortunately made slight contact with the wall and that ended our day in pit lane with a damaged left rear wheel. All the team did a fantastic job in the pits with flawless stops, and the drivers delivered on the track. Just not on our cards this year. But, a great effort by everyone."

Alain Li (F), Born: Caen, France. Lives: Hong Kong:
"The Bathurst event just gets better and better. I had a memorable weekend with the team and with my buddy Mark. Our teammate Brendon impressed me not only with his speed but with his modesty and team spirit. I am hoping he can join Mark and me at Spa. The race was filled with as much drama as any I have ever seen let alone was part of. Our car was not as quick as some of the others but by being consistent we found ourselves running fifth and the leading Audi by the 9th hour that was a great achievement and certainly had the attention of the pit lane. Unfortunately, when the weather gods decided to make the race a little more interesting we were unlucky and got caught out with 10 minutes to go when a storm erupted while we were coming in for wets. I hope that United will come back again next year and that they will let me drive with them again. I could not imagine doing the Bathurst 12 Hours with anyone else. Perhaps it will be third time lucky for Mark and me."

Mark Patterson (SA), Born: Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Lives: Bronxville, NY, USA
"It was 11 hours and 50 minutes of flawless Audi parts, mechanics operating on all cylinders and all three drivers putting in lap times they could only have dreamed about. Problem is, this is a 12 hour race and a rainstorm right at the end created an unmanageable situation on slicks. Nicking a wall on Mount Panorama is like detonating a hand grenade at a Guy Fawkes party. Just a mess. I'm up for any endurance race with Alain, my trusted partner (in the car I mean), and this hot shot discovery, Brendon Hartley. What a great team and what a great disappointment for United Autosports.

Brendon Hartley (NZ), Born: Palmerston North Lives: NZ
"We had problems before the car went off. We had swapped between slicks and wet weather tyres, but it really didn't matter. The car was still handling poorly. We actually went back to slicks at one point, and in hindsight we should have gone back to wet weather tyres a lap earlier. However, I'm not sure that it would have made a difference. When the rear finally broke, I was just a passenger. I'm really disappointed for the crew and for my co-drivers. They all did a great job. I was quite happy that we were able to be the top Audi for several hours. Had it not been for getting caught in the back for three or four of the safety car sessions we would have been fighting for a podium spot."

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports
"With just ten minutes to go after such a tremendous showing by the whole team the result is heartbreaking and hard to take. Brendon had no chance on slicks with the dramatic changes in conditions. The winds and rain were almost of biblical proportions at the end! This is a tough place but despite the heartache at the end, I am already thinking how we can improve for next year."

Photo credit: United Autosports

Brendon Hartley joins United Autosports for Bathurst 12 Hours

United Autosports Press Release

Mercedes Formula One test driver Brendon Hartley will make his Bathurst debut next weekend (February 8-10 2013) in the annual 12-hour race at the legendary Mount Panorama circuit. Fresh from driving duties in last weekends Rolex 24 at Daytona in America the 23-year old New Zealander will share the cockpit with US-based South African Mark Patterson and Hong Kong-based Alain Li for an all-out challenge in the classic GT endurance event.

Having gained valuable experience from the race last year the team has invested in the new Audi R8 LMS ultra and expect to be able to challenge for the win. Both Mark and Alain are no strangers behind the wheel of the Audi, having raced with great success on several occasions and taken many podiums between them. Brendon has a wealth of experience in single-seaters clinching the 2007 World Series by Renault - Eurocup 2.0 title before contesting the British Formula 3 Championship, the GP2 Series, and then a move into the Formula One arena. This will be his first time behind the wheel of a GT car having successfully campaigned an LMP2 Oreca Nissan in both the WEC, Le Mans and the ELMS.

The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour is quickly becoming recognised as one of the premier endurance races around the world with many of the leading marques in international sportscar racing increasing their involvement. The event will test both men and machine to the limit around the awesome 6.213 km-long roller-coaster Mount Panorama circuit.

 The 2013 race will begin at 7am to 7pm on Sunday 10th February.

Alain Li (F), Born: Caen, France. Lives: Hong Kong:
 " It is great to be back behind the wheel with United at such a brilliant event. Mark and I have driven together here and in Spa before and he is a great teammate and fun to be with off the track as well. I am looking forward to Brendon joining us. He has an impressive cv and it's always beneficial having someone of his caliber to work with. It will be my first time in a car since I won the Ferrari Challenge support event at the Singapore Grand Prix last year so I'm hoping that we can challenge for a podium."

Mark Patterson (SA), Born: Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Lives: Bronxville, NY, USA : "Teaming up with United Autosports and my reliable partner Alain Li again at one of the world's most challenging race tracks is a real thrill. Last year we weren't able to finish the race despite some solid early stints, so seeing this one through in a field twice as deep is our primary objective. Promoter James O'Brien has worked hard on promoting this event, traveling the world, and this deep field shows his effort has paid off. Can't wait to hear that eternal racing call to duty: "Gentlemen, start your intestines!!!!!".

Brendon Hartley (NZ), Born: Palmerston North Lives: NZ : "As a Kiwi I have always wanted to race at Bathurst so I am very excited that I have this opportunity. It will also be my debut in a GT car with the Audi so I am looking forward the challenge. United Autosports are a top professional team so I'm sure we can get up to speed quickly and be in a position to aim for a top result. I'm really looking forward to it".

Richard Dean (GB), Managing Director & Co-Owner of United Autosports : "Bathurst is one of the most iconic race circuits anywhere in the world, and the 12-hour race is now a major fixture on the calendar For United Autosports this is a very important race and we are very proud to be part of this great event."

Zak Brown (USA) : " We are delighted to have Brendan as part of the driver line-up for Bathurst. To be attracting a current Formula One star to race our Audi GT3 at such a great event is a testament to the strength of our team".

Photo credit: United Autosport

United Autosports Audi R8 LMS ultra 2013 livery competition winner

By Johan Laubscher

During 2012 United Autosports increased their McLaren efforts and many thought this would bring an end to their Audi entries. However to the delight of Audi fans the team announced that they would continue using their Audi R8 LMS ultra in 2013. Along with this announcement United Autosports also opened an online livery competition. They offered fans the opportunity to submit livery designs. The chosen livery would be used on the UA Audi R8 LMS ultra during 2013 and the designer of the chosen livery would be treated to a trip to the United Autosports facilities and receive team merchandise.

Today United Autosports announced the winner and the winning livery. Congratulations to Arron Earnshaw, 27, from Burnley, Lancashire, UK. His livery design depicts a tasteful collection of the traditional white, blue and red United Autosports colours, as seen below. The new design will be seen on the UA Audi R8 LMS ultra at its first 2013 event, the Bathurst 12 Hour in just a few weeks.

Photos by United Autosports

Revised calendar and rules create exciting 2013 British GT Series

British GT Press Release

Following the success of the 2012 Avon Tyres British GT season, series promoter Stephane Ratel Organisation (SRO) has today announced a revised calendar for the upcoming season, an exciting overseas event, changes to driver grading adjustments and the introduction of live TV coverage at a minimum of two race weekends, in a bid to further develop the exciting Pro-Am national GT series.

Following the tradition of a British GT ‘away race’ where the series visits a top European circuit, in 2013 British GT will travel to the Netherlands for the Trophy of the Dunes at the Circuit Park Zandvoort. The Trophy of the Dunes is a highly coveted event held by the Zandvoort organisers for over forty years, and British GT will feature top billing over the weekend with Dutch GT. The Sunday action will receive live coverage on Motors TV, bringing the popular British series to the increasing audience back home.

The 2.7 mile Dutch track is steeped in motorsport history and is home to the exciting Tarzan hairpin which is often the scene of spectacular overtaking manoeuvres. Set on the North Sea coastline of the Netherlands, the circuit will play host to two 60-minute sprint races at round six in September. In an additional bonus for the British GT teams, they will be located in the garages at the Trophy of the Dunes, making the event somewhat of a home from home.

In addition to Zandvoort, the 2013 Championship will also travel to six of the top circuits in the UK. As is now customary, the season will begin at Oulton Park (Little Budworth, Cheshire) over the Easter Weekend for two 60 minute sprint races, before moving to the super fast Rockingham circuit (Corby, Northamptonshire) in early May for an endurance race; Silverstone’s (Towcester, Northamptonshire) now annual jewel in the crown event will take place on the final weekend in May. Snetterton (Norfolk) plays host to another sprint double header weekend in Mid-June, before the series moves to the drivers favourite Brands Hatch GP Circuit (Fawkham, Kent) for the third endurance race of the year. Donington Park will once more close the season with an endurance battle over the first weekend of October.

After the introduction of several Silver/Silver driver pairings in 2012, SRO has switched to a weight adjustment to balance the pairing, bringing it in line with the other adjustments in the Championship. The series organiser has also decided to increase the severity of the adjustment applied to such pairings in 2013 in a bid to further underline the Pro-Am roots of the series in GT3.

As the series seeks to further bolster its ever-increasing fan base, the addition of live television coverage is a critical addition to British GT in 2013. Two race weekends during the new season will feature live broadcasts on Motors TV across the UK, with more details on which rounds set to follow in the approach to the season.

Revised 2013 Calendar:
Media Day - TBC March – Silverstone (GB)
1 Oulton Park (GB) - 30 March (Sat) 1 April (Mon) - Sprint Races
2 Rockingham (GB) - 5 & 6 May – Refuelling Race
3 Silverstone GP (GB) – 25 & 26-May - Refuelling Race
4 Snetterton 300 (GB) – 15 & 16-Jun - Sprint Races
5 Brands Hatch GP (GB) – 10 & 11-Aug - Refuelling Race
6 Zandvoort (NL) – 6, 7, 8-Sep - Sprint Races
7 Donington Park (GB) - 56-Oct - Refuelling Race

Photo credit: United Autorsports

Follow the Gulf 12 Hours LIVE

By Johan Laubscher

Last weekend saw the 25 Hours of Thunderhill and as we move ever deeper into December and with the ever present off-season, we now head onto this weekend. The Gulf 12 Hours is taking place on Friday the fourteenth. This is the last endurance race event for Audi fans in 2012. 

It is the second running of this twelve hour event held at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. It is an unique event wherein the twelve hours are split into two six hour races with a ninety minute interval in-between. United Autosports took part in the first running of this event which was held in January 2012. The team featured very well in that race as they were part of the lead battle heading to the finish. As was the case in January, United Autosports are back and once again they are the only Audi entry in the race. They have entered a single Audi R8 LMS ultra which will be driven by Matthew Bell, Mark Patterson and Will Bratt.

Bellow we have included a list of all the available links you need to follow the race live. Unfortunately there will not be a live video stream of the event, but regular video updates will be published by the Gulf 12 Hours organisers.

Video highlights

Updated Gulf 12 Hours video highlights link            (No live stream but regular video updates during the event)

Live Timing

Live Timing Link

Live Tracker
Live Tracker link

Facebook

United Autosports on Facebook

Gulf 12 Hours on Facebook

l'endurance on Facebook

Twitter

United Autosport on twitter

Gulf 12 Hours on twitter

l'endurance on twitter

Websites

United Autosports website

Gulf 12 Hours website

Photo by United Autosports