High Class Racing is set to defend its Fanatec GT2 European Series crown with the championship-winning Audi R8 LMS GT2.
The Danish team returns to the series as the reigning Pro-Am champions, taking five wins, eight podiums, eight fastest laps and two pole positions in 2021. The team will defend its crown with the new driver pairing of Aurelijus Rusteika and Michael Vergers.
The duo makes the switch to High Class Racing after a strong first season in the series, four podium finishes securing third in the 2021 Pro-Am standings. They return intent on fighting for the title.
“High Class Racing was always the team setting the benchmark in last years’ inaugural Fanatec GT2 European Series and to then be asked by Aurelijus to join him aboard their Audi GT2 for the 2022 season is something I can’t wait to start with. Aurelijus already showed impressive speed and progress in his first season in Europe, racing on circuits that he had never raced on, and so to continue with the championship winning team for 2022 will give us a good shot at racing for the overall wins and a possible championship,” said Vergers.
"I am very happy join the GT2 European Series again in 2022. This will be my second season of competition at this level. We signed a contract with last year’s winner, High Class Racing. I believe their knowledge and racing experience will allow me to continue to improve as a racer. I am very happy to have a Pro race driver, Michael Vergers, with me on the team this year again. He is an amazing man, a coach, a partner and a top-class racer. My goal for 2022 is to enjoy the new fast car and to go for the highest awards,” added Rusteika.
Embarking on a second year in the series, High Class Racing will continue to campaign the Audi R8 LMS GT2. Boasting a 5.2-litre V10 engine designed as a naturally aspirated unit for the first time in the racing version, it delivers 470 kW (640 horsepower). Offering nearly 30 per cent more power output than the Audi R8 LMS GT3, it’s the most powerful sportscar in the history of Audi’s customer racing programme.
The return of the High Class Racing Audi confirms a second full season Fanatec GT2 European Series entry for the team, following yesterday’s announcement that the Brabham BT63 GT2 Concept will be run by the outfit under the Brabham Automotive Factory Racing banner for the first time in 2022.
The Fanatec GT2 European Series gets underway at Imola, Italy, on 1-3 April.