THE GT4 DEBRIEF: What we learned from Monochrome GT4 Australia at Phillip Island

Fresh from the opening Monochrome GT4 Australia round at Phillip Island, it’s time to reflect on a successful inaugural standalone round for what is quickly turning into a burgeoning category.

The competition was hot throughout the three classes as six manufacturers were represented within the 18 entries.

Here are our talking points from a stunning category debut.

Mustang on the pace

At an event celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Ford Mustang, it was fitting George Miedecke and Rylan Gray swept both races at Phillip Island in the latest version of the venerable model. Having only received the Mustang GT4 in the week leading up to the event, it was a superb performance from the duo to take both victories. It was also great to have Ford Performance showing large interest in the debut and bodes well for a great season.

Method Motorsport is a contender

Boasting Supercars driver Chaz Mostert as a co-owner, it proved a successful start to Method Motorsport’s Monochrome GT4 Australia campaign. Running two of McLaren’s new Artura GT4s and reigning series winner Shane Smollen in his familiar Porsche Cayman 718 GT4, Method Motorsport left the Island with plenty of trophies. Although a mistake in pit lane cost a potential victory in Race 2, the outfit was impressive upon its maiden appearance. Also, Smollen continued his winning ways by claiming the Pro-Am Cup in Race 2 alongside Lachlan Mineeff.

Tim Leahey never goes out of style

Vastly experienced in motorsport, Tim Leahey was on form at Phillip Island where he clean-swept the Am Cup driving the Central West Prestige BMW M4 GT4 G82. Prepare by Ash Seward Motorsport, Leahey’s BMW scored pole and even scooped an outright podium making himself as the man to beat in Am Cup. Having not consistently raced for the past couple of season bar occasional drives in production cars as he focused on business interests, Leahey is back for a full season as he continues to learn the still relatively new M4 GT4 G82.

Love Racing Mercedes team look the part and rapid

It was a mixed weekend for the two Love Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4s, but two things emerged from the weekend. The first being how well presented the team was – the pair of entries were hard to miss on track and their four drivers looked a treat in matching race suits. The second being how quick the package was straight out of the box. This was highlighted by Sam Brabham scoring pole in the opening qualifying session. It will be interesting to keep an eye on the father-son team’s progress.

GT4 is here to stay

Following a couple of false starts, last weekend proved the GT4 formula has well and truly arrived in Australia. It was a steady build up last year and the fruits of this labour are beginning to be displayed as proven by the 18 entries at Phillip Island. The racing was close, the presentation of all teams fantastic and plenty of interest was created, with many spectators visiting the GT4 paddock during the Phillip Island event. And there is potential for more marques to be represented on the grid in the future to provide even greater diversity as the season unfolds.