Nissan confirms driver line-up for 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour

January 20, 2015

Nissan confirms driver line-up for 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour

20.1.15

Wheelsology

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Nissan has confirmed that Alex Buncombe, Katsumasa Chiyo and Wolfgang Reip will return to Mount Panorama for the 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour race, driving for its Nismo Athlete Global Team.

The trio will line-up in the #35 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 as the team seeks
to build on the speed and potential shown at last year's edition of the endurance event where Buncombe, Chiyo and Reip were joined by Nissan Motorsport V8 Supercar driver Rick Kelly in the team's driver line-up.

The 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour is one of the first events in an enormous year of motorsport for Nissan, with participation in top categories across the globe.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back to Bathurst. I feel we have some unfinished business there as we never got to show the full potential of the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 in 2014," said Alex Buncombe.

"The circuit is simply amazing, like no other. You have to treat it with the upmost respect. My V8 Supercar experience from last year will put me in a better position this time so I can't wait to get back behind the wheel, especially as the flowing corners and long straights at Mount Panorama are just what the GT-R loves."

"The atmosphere at Mount Panorama is spectacular with the most enthusiastic fans I know. We showed very well last year in the running we had so my expectations are high - I would love to walk away with a podium."

Katsumasa Chiyo added, "I'm really pleased to come back to the Bathurst 12 Hour race because last year our first challenge ended after only a couple of hours due to the big accident in my stint."

"I felt so sorry for the team. That's why I'm really looking forward to racing again at Bathurst for the revenge."

"Unlike last year, I feel very confident because this isn't my first time and I've learned a lot from last year. In addition, my team-mates Alex and 'Wolfie' are very trustable, we have good relationships and our team, Nismo Athlete Global Team, is very professional and reliable. But the only thing I'm sad about is that Rick can't join this year due to a schedule clash."

"This event has many accidents during the race every year, so I think.it is one of the most difficult races. We definitely must drive carefully all the time, because we can't know what will happen until the last second and we must be careful about kangaroos as well."
"Finally, I will do my best until finishing the race with all of the team for all our fans!"

Wolfgang Reip said, "Mount Panorama is one of the most magnificent tracks I have seen! It's very difficult mentally; I would say it is as hard as the Nordschleife. I have raced on both and I would say that although Bathurst is shorter it is just as challenging."

"Racing at Bathurst as a European is a great feeling because not that many drivers get an opportunity like this during their career. It's a privilege to be given that opportunity for the second time in a row alongside Alex and Chiyo."

Darren Cox, Global Head of Brand, Marketing & Sales, Nismo, said, "It's true that we have unfinished business at Mount Panorama."

"We want a good result in this historic event and we have a great team of people in place to make sure we meet our own high standards. It was important for us to give Al, Chiyo and Wolfie another shot at the Mountain and I think together they will get the best out of the GT-R."