Aurelijus Rusteika returns to the Fanatec GT2 European Series for a third season this year. The Lithuanian driver is one of the most respected of the 2023 field, having claimed an impressive tally of outright wins and podiums in both championship classes.
Joining Fanatec GT2 for the series’ inaugural season in 2021, Rusteika was partnered by Michael Vergers in the Speed Factory Racing Porsche and the duo earned a string of podium results.
Switching to the Audi R8 LMS GT2 and High Class Racing in 2022, Rusteika and Vergers showed their race-winning pedigree among four podium finishes.
This season, Rusteika is taking on his first season competing in the Am category alongside new teammate Mantas Janavicius in the Ebimotors Porsche GT2 RS CS. The all Lithuanian line-up has already enjoyed some impressive results in the first half of the season.
We caught up with Aurelijus for the next instalmnent of ‘Getting to Know’:
It’s great to see you back for a third year in the series. After two years competing in Pro-Am, amassing multiple race wins and podiums, how are you finding the move to the Am class this year?
“Thank you, I am excited to be here! Firstly, I’ve always had a dream of a solely Lithuanian team to drive and compete in the GT2 European Series. And this year my dream came true. Secondly, after the removal of the age limit, the competition in Pro-Am has increased so much. In the AM category, however, the majority of drivers are of the older gentlemen’s age.”
You have already recorded some impressive results this season. Did you expect to achieve a podium on your first race partnered with Mantas at Monza?
“The results we have achieved so far have really exceeded our dreams and expectations. The first race of the new season and the podium at Monza turned out to be really rewarding. This circuit is traditionally successful for me. In 2021, together with Michael Vergers, we climbed the podium twice to take the prizes for the second and third places.”
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Another podium at Dijon and a string of top finishes puts you fourth in the Am title fight. What’s been the secret of that consistency?
“Car racing is a very technical sport. In addition to the driving skills, you also need a reliable car as well as a perfectly functioning team. If all these parameters work their best and you manage to avoid accidents, then you can expect a high result in the competition.”
Things have gone full circle for you, having started GT2 with Porsche before moving to Audi last year. How does it feel to be back in the Porsche featuring the new evo GT2 kit?
“I am more than happy that Porsche AG and Manthey Racing agreed to upgrade the car. I’m joking that GT2 RS CS have rested for a year in the Porsche 911 RS museum I’ve founded, and now it is back on track! A wonderful feeling and a very meaningful story about a racing museum exhibit.
“The last year with Audi was an emotional roller coaster, full of victories, and disappointments. Several accidents and penalties for the track limits pushed us out of the winning positions, although at the beginning of the season, we were in first place. The Audi R8 is a fast car that requires very precise driving. It was an interesting season that taught me a great deal of lessons and I became a faster driver.”
What’s been your biggest challenge this season so far?
“After the Porsche upgrade, the car has changed a lot. The balance improved, so it’s a different feeling, which requires time to adjust myself and search for its limits. Also, minor technical problems we are experiencing give headaches to us and our whole team and hinder the preparation for the competition. But I have a lot of faith in Ebimotors and Manthey Racing’s support. They will do everything possible so that we can compete on the highest note.”
What makes the Fanatec GT2 European Series your championship of choice?
“Well, first of all, I have a GT2 car that is suitable for this kind of competition. Once I joined the Fanatec GT2 European Series, I had a privilege to meet the wonderful SRO team and many like-minded people. Now it would be very difficult for me to change from the GT2 European Series to another championship, even if I wanted.”
What’s your ultimate goal or dream result for this season?
“Our goals are to have a good time, train, compete and prepare for the Lithuanian Le Mans -1000 km competition in July. Focus is on winning this competition, while all the victories in the GT2 Series are a great bonus and motivation to push like hell.”
Aurelijus continues his 2023 Fanatec GT2 European campaign alongside teammate, Mantas, in Portimao, Portugal, 21-23 July.
