Christopher Mies will make a significant breakthrough when he contests next week's season-closing Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS event at Bathurst's Mount Panorama Circuit.
The Audi Sport factory ace will become the first international driver to compete in the series since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, with relaxed travel restrictions allowing the German to join the Melbourne Performance Centre squad for the season finale.
Best known for his achievements in Europe, which include the 2012 Endurance Cup drivers' title in what is now Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS, Mies has also been immensely successful Down Under. He clinched the Australian GT Championship (now Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS) in 2015 and is a two-time winner of the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, having triumphed back-to-back in 2011 and 2012.
He will pull double duty on the Mountain by partnering championship leader Yasser Shahin in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS contest, while also driving an Audi RS3 LMS TCR in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia finale.
“Bathurst is always special and to come back after many years after not being able to be in Australia, I’m really looking forward to it,” said Mies, who has held the official lap record at Mount Panorama since 2018.
“Australia is my favourite country and racing there is always a pleasure. I like the Australian racing culture.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve driven a TCR car. It was a couple years back developing the Gen 1 car. Also jumping back and forward in two different kinds of race cars is something I haven’t done for years so don’t judge me if I am holding everyone up in the first session!
“Obviously my main goal is to help Yasser (Shahin) win the championship and this is what I will do. From what I’ve heard he’s a great guy and an even better racer. I can’t wait to get this done for him and MPC. I’ve really missed these guys and I’m looking forward to continuing our story together.”
The season-closing Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS races will take place next Thursday and Friday (2/3 December) at Mount Panorama Circuit and will be streamed live on the GTWorld YouTube channel.