Alex Peroni returns to GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS competition at Queensland Raceway this weekend after injury forced him to miss the opening two rounds of the season.
The Tasmanian rejoins Mark Rosser in the #268 Team BRM Audi R8 LMS GT3, taking over from Tom Randle after the Supercars driver helped Rosser establish a strong early position in the Pro-Am championship.
Having not raced since February’s Bathurst 12 Hour, Peroni’s immediate focus is on regaining his rhythm, supporting Rosser’s championship campaign and continuing the progress the team has made in his absence.
Watching from the sidelines
Peroni’s injury came at a particularly frustrating point in the calendar. The opening rounds were held at Phillip Island and The Bend, two circuits where he and Rosser had shown strong pace during the previous season.
“Yeah, it was a shame, and it was kind of doubly bad because Phillip Island and The Bend are two of our best tracks. We didn’t win at Phillip Island last year, but we had really great pace, and we won at The Bend.
“So I was probably most looking forward to those tracks, to really consolidate and go even better this year. So that kind of sucked and it hurt a little bit, but I’m feeling better now and it’s good to be back.”
Queensland Raceway provides a more familiar setting for his return. Peroni and Rosser have enjoyed success at the circuit before, including their first victory together in 2024.
Its layout also makes it a suitable place for Peroni to return after several months out of the car.
“Yeah, definitely, and it’s somewhere that we definitely have a good car. We had good results last year and, even the year before, we got our first win ever together.
“So yeah, it’s good to be back and, from an injury point of view as well, it’s not the highest-stress circuit physically. It’s not like The Bend or Bathurst, so it’s a good way to get back in and get used to it, because obviously I haven’t done any driving since the 12 Hour.
“No, it feels good. Free Practice 1 was nice, the car feels good, so I think we definitely have a good platform to grow from here.”
Helping Rosser’s championship challenge
While Peroni has missed the opening part of the season, Rosser has already collected valuable points alongside Randle.
That means Peroni returns with an important job to do as the pair look to maintain the team’s early momentum.
“On myself, I mean, there always is pressure. I guess it’s more from a Mark point of view. This is his gig; this is what Pro-Am motorsport is like. We’re here to really help the amateur to develop, be faster and have fun as well.
“They had a really good start to the season, so it’s important to keep this momentum and not make mistakes. But that’s kind of always like that, so nothing changes.”
The result still missing
Race victories and championship points remain important, but Peroni identified one result that both he and Rosser are still chasing.
“I wouldn’t say there’s one thing that, when you do it, makes the season successful. Getting a win would be nice or, well, to be fair, going better in qualifying would be nice.
“That’s one thing both Mark and I have missed, actually, is getting a pole position. So that’s something we’re working towards.
“And yeah, just help Mark get quicker and quicker. This field is so competitive as well, especially with the amateurs.
“So it’s a good chance for him to test himself against some of the best in the world. I think we’d both like to get a — I know I said it wasn’t one thing, but let me retract that and say getting a pole position would be nice for both of us.”
Where GT racing could lead next
Peroni has established himself in GT World Challenge Australia in recent years, but he remains open to where his performances in GT racing could take him next.
“Look, the thing with GT racing is it can take you anywhere. From my point of view, every time I’m on the track, I do the best I can, get good results and seeing where that leads.
“Obviously, I’d love to continue in GT Australia. I’ve got a good experience foundation here now.
“But who knows where it can take you? Whether that’s Asia, Europe or somewhere else, just keep plugging away, getting results and see what happens.”
Peroni open to a future in Supercars
Peroni’s versatility has been evident throughout his career. Before establishing himself in GT racing, he built his reputation in single-seaters, competing in categories including Formula 3 and Indy Lights. Supercars also remains firmly among his ambitions, whether through an endurance co-drive or, eventually, a full-time opportunity.
“I’d love to go into Supercars. Obviously, that’s the pinnacle of Australian motorsport.
“And look, it would be nice to go into a championship where it’s all pros and the competitiveness is really intense.
“But for now, it’s about taking things race by race, getting results and seeing where that can lead.”
GT WORLD CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA QUEENSLAND | LATEST NEWS | ENTRY LIST | INTERVIEW ALEX PERONI | INTERVIEW JAYDEN OJEDA | FRIDAY PRACTICE REPORT
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