Audi Sport Asia Team Phantom will once again field a two-car entry in the 2026 GT World Challenge (GTWC) Asia powered by AWS, combining proven experience with fresh ambition. With one Pro-Am pairing and a returning Silver class duo, the team enters the new season with clear intentions of fighting at the front.
Evans and Pato form potent Pro-Am duo as Team Phantom embarks on 2026 GTWC Asia campaign
Leading the charge, Jaxon Evans joins forces with Andrés Pato in a formidable Pro-Am entry. Both drivers bring extensive experience with the Audi R8 LMS GT3, making them a strong combination from the outset.
Evans, who finished runner-up in the 2025 GTWC Australia Pro-Am standings, embarks on his first full campaign in the Asian series. Meanwhile, Pato—also known as Andre Canard and Andrew Haryanto—adds depth with a proven record across multiple GT categories.
Highlighting the pairing’s potential, Head of Audi Sport customer racing Asia Alexander Blackie said: “Jaxon Evans, Andrés Pato and the Audi R8 LMS GT3 is a very exciting combination. Both drivers are race winners with the R8 LMS and should prove to be a potent force this year,” said Head of Audi Sport customer racing Asia, Alexander Blackie. “Together with the previously-announced GT World Challenge Asia line-up of Cheng Congfu and Yu Kuai we have a nicely balanced squad ready to challenge for the overall title in the region’s leading GT3 series.”
Evans brings strong foundations and experience; Pato adds proven pedigree
Evans brings an impressive résumé to the team. After beginning his career in karting across Australia and New Zealand, he quickly progressed into sportscar racing, securing a breakthrough title in 2018. This success propelled him into European competition, where he continued to shine.
Since then, Evans has competed in top-tier series including the Intercontinental GT Challenge and IMSA, as well as some of Europe’s most prestigious endurance races. Notably, he achieved third place in the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship LMGTE Am standings. In addition, his familiarity with Audi machinery is well established, highlighted by back-to-back victories in the 2017 CAMS Australian GT Endurance Championship.
Alongside him, Pato offers significant experience as an accomplished Am driver. He has consistently demonstrated his capabilities in Audi machinery, from winning the 2018 Audi Sport R8 LMS Cup to securing victory at the 2023 Sepang 12 Hours.
Furthermore, his prior success in GT WC Asia—including a sixth-place Pro-Am finish in 2023—adds valuable insight as the duo targets strong results.
Silver Class champions return for 2026 GTWC Asia campaign with Team Phantom
At the same time, Audi Sport Asia Team Phantom retains continuity in the Silver class, with Yu Kuai and Cheng Congfu returning to defend their title. Their established partnership provides stability and proven performance, forming a key pillar of the team’s overall campaign.
Season begins at Sepang
The 2026 GTWC Asia season begins at Sepang on 4–5 April, marking the first of six rounds. As preparations conclude, Audi Sport Asia Team Phantom heads into the opener with a balanced and competitive line-up.
