Jayden Ojeda and Paul Lucchitti produced a flawless and disciplined drive to secure victory in Race 2 at the GT Festival Phillip Island in the opening round of the 2026 GTWC Australia. Despite multiple Safety Car interruptions and several on-track incidents, the pair converted pole position into a winning result in the Move My Wheels by Tigani Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Crucially, they maintained composure through each restart and managed the race pace effectively, eventually taking the chequered flag with a margin of more than three seconds following late-race drama.
Turbulent opening lap brings early drama to Race 2 of the 2026 GTWC Australia Opener at Phillip Island
Following a thrilling Race 1, Race 2 began in dramatic fashion, as multiple cars made contact and ran off the circuit within the opening exchanges. Among those caught out were Volante Rosso Motorsport’s Josh Hunt in the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo and Luke Youlden, who sustained significant damage.
As a result of the incident, Youlden later retired, reducing the field early and underlining the challenging conditions drivers faced in the opening phase.
However, once the race resumed under control, Ojeda quickly settled into a strong rhythm. He led confidently ahead of Jaxon Evans in the Ferrari 296 GT3, while Brendon Leitch and Sergio Pires held position in the Geyer Valmont Racing by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG entry.
Following the early chaos, the race entered a more measured phase. Ojeda capitalised on clean air and consistent lap times to extend his advantage at the front of the field. Importantly, he avoided errors and gradually stretched his lead to more than five seconds before the compulsory pit stops began just after the halfway mark. This buffer placed his team in a strong strategic position heading into the driver change.
Strategic pit stop creates mid-race shake-up in Race 2 of the 2026 GTWC Australia Phillip Island opener
The sole pit stop phase proved pivotal in reshaping the race order. Notably, the Kelso Electrical Team MPC crew elected to fit fresh Pirelli tyres to the right side of their Audi R8 LMS EVO II for Broc Feeney and Brad Schumacher.
Although the decision required a longer stationary time, it delivered a clear pace advantage once Schumacher returned to the track. Consequently, he began an aggressive recovery drive through the field.
During this stint, Schumacher executed multiple overtakes and closed in on the leading group. However, his battle with Shane Smollen in the Kollosche AMG by Tigani Motorsport Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO resulted in contact, sending Smollen into the gravel.
This incident triggered the second Safety Car of the race and erased the sizeable gap Lucchitti had inherited after the pit cycle.
Lucchitti holds firm through restarts
Following the restart, Lucchitti faced renewed pressure from the pack. Nevertheless, he handled the situation with control and precision, maintaining track position ahead of Sergio Pires and Elliott Schutte.
Each restart presented an opportunity for challengers to attack, yet Lucchitti consistently defended his lead and rebuilt momentum. His measured approach ensured he remained in command despite the compressed field.
Final-lap collision decides podium order for Race 2 of the 2026 GTWC Australia Phillip Island opener
As the race approached its conclusion, another dramatic moment unfolded. On the final lap, Mark Rosser attempted an ambitious move on both Schutte and Pires in the Castrol Team BRM Audi R8 LMS EVO II.
However, the manoeuvre resulted in contact with Pires, forcing the Mercedes-AMG into retirement. Consequently, Schutte moved up into second position, while the order behind shifted significantly.
The incident effectively removed any remaining challenge to Lucchitti, allowing him to complete the race unopposed at the front.
Post-race penalties alter final classification
After the chequered flag, officials issued several penalties that reshaped the final standings. Schumacher and Feeney received a 15-second penalty for their earlier collision with Smollen, dropping them down the order.
As a result, Ryan Wood and Steve Brooks were promoted onto the podium, securing third place in the Wolfbrook Motorsport Audi R8 LMS EVO II.
Additionally, Rosser and Tom Randle incurred a 40-second penalty for the final-lap incident with Pires. This sanction relegated them to tenth position overall.
Meanwhile, Darren Currie and Valentino Astuti finished just outside the podium places, while Josh Buchan and Cameron Campbell benefited from the penalties to secure fifth place in the Zagame Autosport Ferrari 296 GT3.
Trophy Class sees sole finishers after chaotic Race 2 in Phillip Island at the 2026 GTWC Australia opener
In the Trophy Class, Alex Gardner and Lee Stibbs delivered a clean and consistent performance in the Volante Rosso Motorsport Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3.
Importantly, they emerged as the only crew to complete the race in their class, ensuring they claimed maximum honours on their return and debut respectively.
Championship heads to The Bend
Following an eventful weekend at Phillip Island, attention now turns to the next round of the GTWC Australia powered by AWS. The series resumes in six weeks at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park as part of the LIQUI MOLY GT Festival The Bend from 8–10 May.
Given the intensity, strategy variation, and incidents seen in Race 2, the championship battle promises to remain unpredictable as the season progresses.
