Brendon Leitch on charging to Queensland win: "I just absolutely went for it"

Brendon Leitch said he knew the opening stint would be decisive after he and Sergio Pires claimed victory in Race 2 of GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS at Queensland Raceway.

The #44 Geyer Valmont Racing by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3 came out on top after Leitch made an assertive move around the outside at Turn 1 on the opening lap, taking the lead before building a gap ahead of the mandatory pit stop.

From there, Pires brought the car home to complete a commanding victory for the Tigani Motorsport pairing.

“It was a great race,” Leitch said after the finish.

“I knew the start was really important, so tyre prep was everything. Oscar [Targett, pole sitter] was very kind to me as well, and from there I knew I needed to try and build the biggest gap possible.

“I just absolutely went for it and was able to give the car to Sergio with a little bit of space. He did an amazing job to bring it home and win the race for us.”

The result came at an important point in the season, with GT World Challenge Australia now past the halfway mark. Leitch and Pires leave Queensland Raceway as the new championship leaders after another strong weekend for Tigani Motorsport.

For Leitch, the timing of the result made the victory even more valuable.

“It’s a massive race for us, and a little championship boost as well,” he said.

“We’re super excited going into Darwin.”