Media Release:
3rd February 2013
Formula One test driver Brendon Hartley joins United Autosports for Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hours
* Brendon Hartley joins United regulars Mark Patterson and Alain Li
* Second consecutive visit to Iconic Mount Panorama for United Autosports
* A huge International 50-car grid for 2013
***
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!!!!!".
Brendan 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”.
TV Coverage
The Television coverage for the 2013 B12HR will be as follows:
Australia:
• 3 hour highlights programme on SBS Speedweek at midday on Sun 17 Feb
• 3 hour highlights program Fox Sports in late February 2013
International:
• 1 to 3 hour Programs to be broadcast in March/April 13 through Motors TV, Sky Sports and others in Asia, Europe, North
America and New Zealand.
Streaming:
• B12HR will be streamed live online via www.bathurst12hour.com.au .
ENDS